Fasciotomy closure using simultaneous vacuum-assisted closure and hyperbaric oxygen.
1Scottsdale Healthcare, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
The American Surgeon
|March 23, 2007
Summary
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can accelerate wound healing for patients with compartment syndrome. This combined treatment allows for earlier closure of fasciotomy wounds using adjacent skin, reducing scarring and improving limb strength.
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Wound healing
- Vascular surgery
Background:
- Fasciotomies for compartment syndrome and ischemic vascular disease typically require skin grafts for closure.
- Skin grafts can result in significant scarring and reduced limb strength.
Observation:
- A study examined three trauma patients with compartment syndrome and fasciotomies.
- These patients received combined vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Findings:
- The simultaneous use of VAC and HBOT synergistically reduced edema.
- This led to accelerated closure of fasciotomy wounds with adjacent skin in 3 to 18 days.
Implications:
- This approach offers an alternative to skin grafting for fasciotomy wounds.
- Early wound closure with adjacent skin may improve patient outcomes, reduce scarring, and enhance limb strength.