Objective: Primary reconstruction of soft tissues in acute complex lower limb injuries is often mandatory in order to protect exposed bones, nerves, tendons and/or vessels, however it may be precluded by general clinical and/or local wound conditions. Vacuum assisted closure (VAC^®) has been introduced in the management of complex wounds for its ability to remove third space fluids, improve oxygen delivery to the wound bed, while it promotes angiogenesis and granulation. This retrospective study evaluates the use of VAC^® in lower limb trauma patients unsuitable for immediate reconstruction.

Patients and Methods: Fourty-two patients, 24 males and 18 females, with 49 complex lower limb traumas were treated with VAC^® therapy for a mean of 28 days (range 15–42 days). Mean age of patients was 47 years (range 21–82). All patients included were characterized by poor general condition or adverse local wound factors. VAC^® was applied 24–48 hours after bone fixation, vascular repair and surgical debridement of non viable tissues so as to minimize the risk of bleeding and ensure viability of soft tissues in the wound bed. Wound swab cultures were obtained before the application of VAC^® and before every change of sponge. The duration of therapy, wound flora, final reconstructive technique required, outcome and follow up period were recorded for each patient.

Results: Seventeen patients were over 65 years of age, 28 were Intensive Care Unit patients, 11 had heavily exuding wounds and in 9 the viability of soft tissues after initial debridement was questionable. Patients were followed up for 60 to 395 days. Two wounds (4%) healed spontaneously, 6 (12.2%) were managed with delayed direct suture, 31 (63.2%) were managed with skin grafts, 8 (16.3%) required local flaps. Two patients died during therapy due to concurrent conditions. In all but one patient, wound bacterial flora was progressively reduced during therapy. Scars were aesthetically acceptable, however, in 7 wounds hypertrophic scars were treated with triamcinolone injections combined with silicone sheeting.

Conclusion: VAC^® is a safe and effective method facilitating delayed soft tissue reconstruction in complex lower limb traumas in high risk patients. The development of healthy granulation tissue minimizes the need for major conventional reconstructive operations and therefore postoperative morbidity.