Hip and knee replacements are predictable orthopaedic procedure with excellent clinical outcomes. Discharging or leaking wounds affect length of hospital stay, affect bed planning and predispose to superficial and potentially deep wound infection. Predictable wound healing therefore remains the first hurdle. This trial aims to study the effectiveness of portable disposable incisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings in hip and knee replacements. This trial aims to study the effectiveness of portable disposable incisional negative pressure wound dressings in hip and knee replacements and the impact on wound healing, length of stay and wound complications. Following ethical approval 110 patients each were randomised to ‘Control group’ and ‘Study group’. Patients in control group received traditional dressings and those in study group received an incisional NPWT (PICO) manufactured by Smith & Nephew. Post operatively, state of the wound, level of wound exudate, length of hospital stay and complications were documented.Introduction
Patients/Materials & Methods
