Comparison of dermatotraction and negative pressure wound therapy for closure of cruris fasciotomy after 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the results of patients who underwent cruris fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome (ACS) after the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake and used subcuticular polydioxanone (PDS) method or negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for fasciotomy follow-up and closure of the defect. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2023 and April 2023, a total of 52 patients (31 males, 21 females; mean age: 29±14.8 years; range, 5 to 74 years) were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as the dermatotraction (PDS) group (Group 1, n=30), and the VAC group (Group 2, n=22). Data including demographic, clinical, and operative data such as fasciotomy closure time, graft need, and infection rate were recorded. RESULTS: More grafts were needed to close the fasciotomy in patients followed with VAC. The mean closure time of the fasciotomy was 25.9±3.8 days in the PDS group and 27.3±3.5 days in the VAC group, indicating no significant difference between the groups (p=0.738). There was no significant difference in the rate of wound infection between the two groups (p=0.482). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that more grafts are needed to close the fasciotomy in patients followed with VAC; however, it seems to increase the cost of the treatment.