Vacuum-assisted closure combined with a closed suction irrigation system for treating postoperative wound infections following posterior spinal internal fixation

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-018-1024-6 · Published: December 4, 2018

Immunology Surgery Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

Post-operative wound infections after spinal surgery can lead to serious complications, sometimes requiring removal of implanted devices. This study explores the effectiveness of a modified vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) technique in treating these infections. The modified VAC combines traditional VAC with a closed suction irrigation system (CSIS). This system helps to clean the wound and promote healing. The study found that this modified VAC method is a safe and effective way to treat wound infections after spinal surgery, leading to improved wound healing and shorter hospital stays.

Study Duration

2014 to 2017

Participants

18 patients with wound infections after posterior spinal surgery

Evidence Level

Retrospective study

Key Findings

1
Wound size significantly decreased after 1 week of modified VAC treatment.
2
Patients had excellent wound beds after an average of 8 days of modified VAC treatment.
3
The wound healed completely after an average of 17 days, and the average hospital stay was 33 days. There was no recurrence of infection at the 1-year follow-up.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the efficacy of a modified vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for treating early postoperative spinal wound infections. The results show that the size of the wound after treatment with modified VAC was significantly smaller than that after debridement (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that VAC combined with a CSIS is a safe, reliable, and effective method to treat a wound infection after spinal surgery.

Practical Implications

Improved Wound Healing

The modified VAC system promotes faster and more effective wound healing compared to traditional methods.

Reduced Hospital Stay

The treatment leads to a shorter hospital stay for patients with postoperative wound infections.

Lower Stress on Clinical Workers

Reduced nursing time requirement should significantly reduce the stress on clinical workers.

Vacuum-assisted closure combined with a closed suction irrigation system for treating postoperative wound infections following posterior spinal internal fixation

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Wound Healing

Reduced Hospital Stay

Lower Stress on Clinical Workers

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Vacuum-assisted closure combined with a closed suction irrigation system for treating postoperative wound infections following posterior spinal internal fixation

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Wound Healing

Reduced Hospital Stay

Lower Stress on Clinical Workers

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?