Temporary wound covering with a silicon sheet for the soft tissue defect following open fasciotomy. Technical note.

OBJECTIVE

Temporary covering of a defect of the soft tissues with a silicon sheet after fasciotomy in the treatment of compartment syndrome.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University Hospital, Tübingen.

PATIENTS

From January 1991 to June 1996, open fasciotomy was performed a total of 18 times on 17 patients with compartment syndrome. In 17 of the 18 cases acute vascular ischemia was the cause of the compartment syndrome.

INTERVENTIONS

For the 18 necessary fasciotomies, a silicon sheet was temporarily used to cover the defect of the soft tissue temporarily a total of 9 times. The silicon sheet was gradually drawn together and the wound was finally closed with a secondary suture.

RESULTS

In 6 of the 9 cases a secondary suture could be performed without any difficulties after the swelling had subsided, and a meshgraft covering was not necessary. Only one patient suffered from wound infection because the silicon sheet had not been sutured correctly. In the other cases there was no sign of infection. The wound dressing was changed painlessly and furthermore, an improved cosmetic result was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

There are considerable advantages in the use of a silicon sheet as a temporary covering for the defect of the soft tissues in the treatment of compartment syndrome: lower costs because of shorter hospitalisation and the dressing change is practically painless. A reduced risk of infection and improved cosmetic results are further advantages of this method.