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01-09-2006 | Original Article

Wound conditioning by vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) in postoperative infections after dorsal spine surgery

Authors: Ludwig Labler, Marius Keel, Otmar Trentz, Michael Heinzelmann

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 9/2006

Abstract

The use of vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) therapy in postoperative infections after dorsal spinal surgery was studied retrospectively. Successful treatment was defined as a stable healed wound that showed no signs of acute or chronic infection. The treatment of the infected back wounds consisted of repeated debridement, irrigation and open wound treatment with temporary closure by V.A.C. The instrumentation was exchanged or removed if necessary. Fifteen patients with deep subfascial infections after posterior spinal surgery were treated. The implants were exchanged in seven cases, removed completely in five cases and left without changing in one case. In two cases spinal surgery consisted of laminectomy without instrumentation. In two cases only the wound defects were closed by muscle flap, the remaining ones were closed by delayed suturing. Antibiotic treatment was necessary in all cases. Follow up was possible in 14 patients. One patient showed a new infection after treatment. The study illustrates the usefulness of V.A.C. therapy as a new alternative management for wound conditioning of complex back wounds after deep subfascial infection.

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Title: Wound conditioning by vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) in postoperative infections after dorsal spine surgery
Authors: Ludwig Labler
Marius Keel
Otmar Trentz
Michael Heinzelmann
Publication date: 01-09-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 9/2006
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-006-0164-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Wound conditioning by vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) in postoperative infections after dorsal spine surgery

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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