A Modified Technique for Applying Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Dressing Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

Postoperative incisional management subsequent to total joint replacement arthroplasty is of importance to the orthopedic surgical team. The application of closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) to surgical incisions following replacement arthroplasty has demonstrated positive outcomes in orthopedics. This paper describes a technique involving the postoperative application of ciNPT over closed incisions originating from joint arthroplasty to facilitate a reduction in the incidence of surgical site complications (SSCs). To address any potential challenges that may be associated with ciNPT application and removal, the ciNPT dressing was applied to the knee incision with approximately 15 degrees of flexion utilizing the total knee bump to allow the knee to rest with flexion at that angle. For posterior hip replacements or revisions, the readily adjustable ciNPT dressing was enlisted for use to cover curvilinear incisions. The adhesive drape over the foam ciNPT dressing would be blocked to ensure that drain placement, if used, would not be incorporated with the hydrocolloid portion of the dressing. In order to properly apply the dressing, it was imperative that the hydrocolloid portion was not subject to any buckling. The dressing was walked over the foam ciNPT dressing to ensure that there was an absence of tension on the dressing. The manufacturer’s instructions support dressing use for a maximum of seven days with continuous subatmospheric pressure (-125 mmHg) applied to the closed incision. Applying the adhesive ciNPT drape over the ciNPT foam dressing with a minimal amount of tension is integral to attaining positive outcomes using ciNPT. Employing ciNPT may reduce the risk of delayed incisional healing and SSCs, which may alleviate providers from extra postoperative global visits.