Comparison Of Vacuum Sealing Drainage And Shoelace Technique For Leg Fasciotomy Wounds

Objective:To compare the vacuum sealing drainage and shoelace technique for treatment of leg fasciotomy wounds. Methods:A total of 36 patients, with 46 leg fasciotomy wounds, were randomized into vacuum sealing drainage and shoelace technique groups,23 wounds in each group. In the vacuum sealing drainage group, patients were subjected to vacuum sealing drainage after fasciotomy based on fracture reduction and external fixation; in the shoelace technique group, the fasciotomy wounds were covered with polyethylene/ethanol hydrated seaweed salt foam followed by shoelace technique. After 1 month, wound size, wound closure time, infection, further intervention and daily treatment cost were compared between the two groups. Results:Wound closure time was significantly higher in the vacuum sealing drainage group compared to the shoelace technique group (p< 0.05). Eight wounds in the vacuum sealing drainage group required skin grafts; while, no skin graft was necessary in the shoelace technique group. In the shoelace technique group, the vessel loops had to be replaced in five wounds. There was no wound infection, increased compartment pressure and skin flap necrosis postoperatively in both two groups. Conclusion:Both vacuum sealing drainage and the shoelace technique are safe, reliable and effective methods for closure of leg fasciotomy wounds. Vacuum sealing drainage requires longer time to definite wound closure and is far more expensive than the shoelace technique, especially when additional skin grafting is required.