Comparison of dermatotraction and negative pressure wound therapy for closure of cruris fasciotomy after 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the results of patients who underwent cruris fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome (ACS) after the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake and used subcuticular polydioxanone (PDS) method or negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for fasciotomy follow-up and closure of the defect. Patients and methods Between March 2023 and April 2023, a total of 52 patients (31 males, 21 females; mean age: 29±14.8 years; range, 5 to 74 years) were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as the dermatotraction (PDS) group (Group 1, n=30), and the VAC group (Group 2, n=22). Data including demographic, clinical, and operative data such as fasciotomy closure time, graft need, and infection rate were recorded. Results More grafts were needed to close the fasciotomy in patients followed with VAC. The mean closure time of the fasciotomy was 25.9±3.8 days in the PDS group and 27.3±3.5 days in the VAC group, indicating no significant difference between the groups (p=0.738). There was no significant difference in the rate of wound infection between the two groups (p=0.482). Conclusion Our study results suggest that more grafts are needed to close the fasciotomy in patients followed with VAC; however, it seems to increase the cost of the treatment.

What we learned in the short term from the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in terms of Orthopedic Trauma: A brief literature review.

“…Regarding the issues mentioned above that are considered controversial and/or require more research reports, experiences related to certain topics have been shared in retrospective studies conducted after the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. In research studies presenting epidemiological and demographic data after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, Asfuroğlu ZM et al [3] reported significant changes in the patient admission procedures at orthopedic and traumatology clinics after the earthquake, with an increase in the number of international patients and trauma-related diagnoses.…”

“…In studies related to wound care and closure, Ulusoy S et al [13] indicated that methods such as debridement creams containing collagenase, wound and skin antiseptics, negative pressure wound therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy could provide satisfactory results in the short term for earthquake-related wound care and treatment. Kılıçarslan K et al [14] reported that in patients with cruris fasciotomy due to acute compartment syndrome, vacuum-assisted closure required more grafts and increased treatment costs compared to the subcuticular polydioxanone method.…”