Rapid granulation tissue formation over exposed bone – initial observations from a prospective, open, non-comparative, multi-center clinical trial

Acute traumatic leg injury often leads to significant soft tissue defects with exposed bone, tendon with orthopedic hardware. Delayed surgical closure of these wounds is due to the unsuitability of the wound bed, as these surfaces make poor recipient beds and often results in poor outcomes following definitive closure¹.   Rapid granulation tissue formation has been reported by Lee et al² in a study on 16 patients presenting with open wounds in the foot and ankle region with exposed bone and/or tendon.  Similarly, Dunn  et al³, discuss the benefits of NPWT in promoting wound reduction and granulation tissue formation in their STSG care pathway, to maximize graft take in a variety of wounds, including several with exposed tendon.

Results from a prospective, open, non-comparative, multi-center clinical trial looking at the functionality and device performance of a new NPWT system* in the treatment of 38 acute, sub-acute or chronic wounds had a sub-set of 6 patients with exposed bone at baseline. Initial observations of rapid granulation tissue formation over bone was supported by further analysis of this sub-set of patients demonstrating a change in the median percentage of  beefy red (healthy granulation) tissue from 70% at baseline assessment to 92.5% at treatment discontinuation. The rapid formation of granulation tissue and blood vessels are essential to healing these wounds and the results from this sub-set of patients further supports the consensus of using NPWT as an adjunctive therapy in patients with exposed bone and tendon to descend the reconstructive ladder.