Does the Application of NPWT Enhance the Wound Closure Time in Limb Fasciotomy Wound among Orthopaedic Patients?

Background: Fasciotomy is essential for the prevention and management of compartment syndrome on limbs. The traditional method is to wet to dry dressing to the wide laid open wound to well prepare the wound bed for closure. Most fasciotomy wounds will require delayed primary closure and there may require number of surgeries. Patients and method: Applied Evidence Base Practice (EBP) by using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) to the patients who suffered compartment syndrome with fasciotomy among five Orthopaedic and Traumatology units in Hong Kong hospital Duration: May, 2018 to Jan, 2019 Results: The usage of NPWT is increasing by 7% to 40% (n=8). The mean of wound closure times (day) of NPWT group is 15.86 days more than non-NPWT group. In the large wound size group, the mean of wound closure times in NPWT group is 3.42 days lesser than non-NPWT group. Conclusion: Usage of NPWT is more common in managing fasciotomy wound not only target on fasten the wound closure time but also benefit on edema control, promote granulation, decrease bacteria load and cosmetic appearance, but also for early reconstruction and rehabilitation. NPWT is tends to apply on large fasciotomy wound with effective wound bed preparation for wound closure.