Adjustable, Skin-Stretching External Fixation Device and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Application for Infected Full-Thickness Skin Defects: A Case Series Study

Abstract

Introduction. Skin defects—especially infected, massive full-thickness defects—can be challenging to manage. Traditionally, defects are repaired using free flaps or musculocutaneous flaps. Many side effects and complications are associated with flaps, however, such as infection, pain, donor site pain, and poor cosmesis. Objective. This case series evaluates the use of an adjustable, skin-stretching external fixation device and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to repair soft tissue defects. Materials and Methods. In this retrospective series, 7 patients with skin defects were treated with an adjustable, skin-stretching external fixation device and NPWT between January 2014 and December 2017. All patients were followed until complete healing was achieved. Each patient’s age, sex, defect size, mechanism of injury, healing time, results, and complications were recorded. Results. The average patient age was 37.43 years ± 10.47 SD (range, 26–55 years). The average skin defect area was 14.5 cm2 ± 5.26 * 23.25 ± 9.01 cm2 (range, 7–15 cm2 * 10–30 cm2), and average healing time was 3.29 months ± 1.60 (range, 1–6 months). All defects healed, and 2 patients developed ulcers. Conclusions. This series showed the adjustable, skin-stretching external fixation device and NPWT to be a simple, safe, and effective means of managing skin defects, with minimal complications.