Negative pressure wound therapy in the management of mine blast injuries of lower limbs: Lessons learnt at a tertiary care center.
Journal Title: Medical Journal Armed Forces - Year 2017, Vol 73, Issue 4
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mine blast injuries of foot are devastating injuries that result in composite tissue loss or amputations. Negative pressure wound therapy has helped in the management of such combat-related wounds. The aim of this study was to report experiences gained in managing such injuries at a tertiary care center. METHODS: 17 combatants who sustained mine blast injuries were included in this study. Severity of foot injury was assessed as per Foot and Ankle Severity Score. After wound debridement, negative pressure wound therapy was started and foot defect was appropriately reconstructed. Following wound healing, the foot was assessed for Foot and Ankle Severity Score in terms of impairment. The patients were then suitably rehabilitated by shoe modifications, orthosis, or custom-made prosthesis. RESULTS: Mean age of soldiers who sustained mine blast injuries was 30.2 years. The mean Foot and Ankle Severity Score was 3.76. Temporary wound closure was achieved using negative pressure wound therapy and it prevented local and systemic infection. The defect could be reconstructed appropriately using split skin graft, regional fasciocutaneous flap, or microvascular free flap. Mean time to definitive reconstructive procedure was 16.5 days. Mean Foot and Ankle Severity Score in terms of impairment was 4.11. All soldiers could be rehabilitated and were returned to their respective units and were able to perform sedentary duties assigned to them. CONCLUSION: The negative pressure wound therapy was helpful in preventing proximal amputations due to mine blast injury and was helpful in satisfactory reconstruction of foot defects.
Authors and Affiliations
Sanjay Maurya
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP614704
- DOI 10.1016/j.mjafi.2016.06.002
- Views 71
- Downloads 0
A descriptive study of clinico-hematological profile of megaloblastic anemia in a tertiary care hospital
Background: Megaloblastic Anemia (MA) is a relatively common disease, yet the data on prevalence of MA remains scarce. This study was conducted to study the prevalence and clinico-hematological profile of MA. Methods: Th...
Iron deficiency anemia in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease and effect on cyanotic spells
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) and its association with cyanotic spells has been documented in literature. However, Indian data especially in the pediatric age group...
Anti tubercular therapy induced liver function tests abnormalities in human immunodeficiency virus infected individuals
Background: Both antitubercular therapy (ATT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) can cause drug induced liver injury (DILI) in tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. The aim of this research...
Comparative evaluation of anchorage reinforcement between orthodontic implants and conventional anchorage in orthodontic management of bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion
Background: Increased upper lip procumbency is commonly associated with maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion with the major goal of reducing maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion. The treatment plan usually includes extractio...
Combat medical support
Combat Medical Support is the Primary duty of the Armed Forces Medical Services. The Edwin Smith and Ebers Papyri, both dated around 1500 BC have mention of treatment of the injured.The Iliad describes removal of an arro...