THE VACUUM-ASSISTED CLOSURE DEVICE IN THE TREATMENT OF GUSTILO GRADE III OPEN TIBIA FRACTURES IN ADULTS
Wound management associated with Gustilo grade IIIb open tibia fractures in children often requires muscle flaps, skin grafts, and amputations. The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes and complications of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) treatment, as well as discuss its role in optimizing value when treating these injuries and to study compares the rate of wound infection, primary wound coverage, and hospital stay and healing of soft tissue injury associated with open fractures treated with two different standard techniques V.A.C and sterile dressing. 30 patients with type III open Tibia fractures, treated with wound debridement and external fixation were divided in two groups of 15 each; A and B. Vacuum Assisted Closure was used in Group A and sterile dressings were used in Group B. The frequency of wound infection was less and wound coverage was better in Group A (p value of 0.028) when compared to Group B. Wound healed earlier and hospital stay was less in Group A (p value 0.010). Early debridement followed by V.A.C therapy has reduced wound infection rate and time for soft tissue coverage in patients with open fracture tibia. The method uses easily available and inexpensive materials and is easily reproducible