The effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in enhancing skin graft uptake on a burned lower leg stump: A case report

Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a beneficial tool for enhancing the local conditions of complex wounds. Clinical evidence supports its application in the management of burn injuries; however, limited data are available concerning the effectiveness of NPWT on dermal substitutes and skin grafts. Case report: A 29-year-old female patient was referred to our clinic after sustaining severe burns in a road accident. The patient's right lower limb was affected, necessitating an amputation below the knee. To preserve an adequate stump length, multiple procedures were performed, including the application of NPWT to optimize the uptake of the graft into the wound bed. The rehabilitation program for the amputated leg was aided by maintaining a suitable stump length, which can be challenging to achieve when burn damage is present. Conclusion: The use of skin substitutes and grafts can benefit from the application of mild negative pressure, which can improve adherence to the wound bed. The clinical case presented highlights the benefits of NPWT in managing complex lower-limb trauma, thereby expanding the scope of this technique.