NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF A GUNSHOT OPEN HUMERAL FRACTURE: CLINICAL REPORT

Since its approval by the FDA two decades ago, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has become a valuable asset in the management of open fractures with significant soft tissue damage as those seen in high velocity gunshot injuries. These lesions are often associated with grossly contaminated wounds and require a prompt and effective approach. Wound dehiscence and surgical site infection are two of the most common post-operative complications, with poor results when treated with standard gauze dresses. NPTW comes as a legitimate resource promoting secondary intention healing through increased granulation and improved tissue perfusion, as well as continuous local wound drainage preventing bacterial growth and further infection. Recent evidence-based guidelines are still limited for use of NPWT in the treatment of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open fractures and there are few cases in literature reporting the management of upper extremity injuries. We present and discuss a successful case of a type IIIB open...