Application of Novosorb biodegradable temporising matrix in wounds of different aetiologies: a case series.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Using tap water compared with normal saline for cleansing wounds in adults: a literature review of the evidence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this literature review was to establish the evidence for using tap water as opposed to normal saline for cleansing wounds in adults. Tap water is widely available and non-toxic to wounds, making it a cost-effective solution for wound cleansing. Despite that, contrary opinions exist with regard to its safety, such as: fear of wound colonisation by Pseudomonas spp. found in plumbing systems of healthcare facilities; damage to the wound bed; or increased pain when tap water is used for wound cleansing. METHOD: A PICO model was used as a guide to form the title, and the standards for inclusion and exclusion of studies were prespecified to form the eligibility criteria. The search was conducted using a range of databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. RESULTS: Included were seven studies: five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), a quasi-RCT and a cross-sectional study. Of these, six studies demonstrated that use of tap water had no significant influence on wound infection rates when compared to normal saline; four studies established no adverse results or benefits when using tap water or normal saline for wound cleansing; and one study demonstrated that tap water did not increase wound contamination. Also, one study reported no impact on wound healing when tap water or normal saline were used for cleansing; four established that tap water was cost-effective compared to normal saline; and one demonstrated increased patient satisfaction when tap water was used for wound irrigation. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports tap water as a safe and cost-effective solution for wound cleansing.

Microencapsulated sodium fusidate to impart antibacterial properties into cotton dressings for traumatic wounds.

This research aimed to investigate the use of microencapsulated sodium fusidate to impart antibacterial properties into conventional cotton gauze used to treat traumatic wounds. The microcapsules were prepared with sodium fusidate dissolved in ethanol as the active substance (core) and calcium alginate as the wall material (shell) using an electrospraying method. The microcapsules were then loaded into a 1% solution of chitosan, and conventional sterile cotton gauze fabric was impregnated in this suspension and dried at room temperature. The microcapsules obtained were examined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to confirm the constituents, and by scanning electron microscopy to examine the size and distribution of the microcapsules. The results showed that microcapsules with sodium fusidate as the core material were produced in a size range of 50-200µm. The antibacterial properties of these gauze samples were tested for resistance to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The samples showed antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) only, with an average inhibition zone of 31.67±2.89mm in diameter. The antibacterial effect of the treated gauze samples was tested after washing to investigate the strength of the binding agent, to find out whether the samples maintained antibacterial properties after two hand-rubbed washes. Its absorption capacity, rate of absorbency and air permeability values were 555±4.51%, 1.25±0.04 seconds and 408±2.65cm3/cm2/seconds, respectively. The research findings have established the possibility of imparting antibacterial properties into sterile cotton gauze using microencapsulation of sodium fusidate.

A Multistep Iter for Functional Reconstruction in Mangled Upper Limb: A Retrospective Analysis of Integrated Surgical and Medical Approach.

Background and objectives: Complex limb wounds with multiple tissue involvement are commonly due to high energy trauma. Tissue damage is a dynamic entity and the exact extent of the injury is rarely instantly perceptible. Hence, reconstruction frequently involves a multi-stage procedure concluding with tissue replacement. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between 2006 and 2018 and included 179 patients with contaminated multi-tissue injuries treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure therapy, physiotherapy and drug treatment associated with multiple surgical time in a multistep approach, focusing on pain levels and wound closure rates. Results: Despite the long-term response to traumatic events, a combined approach of delayed surgical reconstructive time in mangled upper limb yielded satisfactory functional outcomes. Conclusions: The complex upper limb wound with deep tissue exposure may be treated with a multi-stage procedure alternatively to immediate reconstruction. The integrated technique enables the preservation of existing healthy tissue and concurrent radical debridement, reducing the risk of infection, as well as avoiding the loss of free flaps and dehiscence due to incorrect wound estimation.

Treatment options for partial auricle reconstruction: a prospective study of outcomes and patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the various methods and outcomes of post-traumatic partial auricle wound reconstruction, and to review the benefit to the patient's quality of life and their psychological improvement after the operation. METHODS: The prospective study included patients who suffered from post-traumatic partial auricular wounds. The defects were repaired using various techniques including simple local cutaneous advancement flaps, tube flaps, cartilage framework using conchal and costal cartilage with local skin flap cover. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients were included, with a male predominance (sex ratio: 7:2), mean age with standard deviation of 31.66 ±9.27 years. Causes included road traffic accident (RTA), assault, human and insect bite and avulsion injuries. Injuries were sustained in the upper third of the auricle (n=8); middle third (n=5), lower third (n=3), and upper two-thirds (n=2). Out of the 18 patients, wound were repaired using post auricular mastoid skin flap (n=7); local superior and inferior chondrocutaneous flap (n=3); costal cartilage as a cartilage framework (n=4), temporoparietal fascia used to cover the costal cartilage graft (n=1), and conchal cartilage as a cartilage framework (n=3). In our study 13/18 patients were 'highly satisfied' with the aesthetic outcome, 3/18 were 'moderately satisfied', and 2/18 were 'slightly satisfied'. None were dissatisfied by the postoperative result. In terms of objective assessment, patient outcome in two patients was graded 'good' while the outcome of remaining patients (n=16) was graded as 'excellent'. CONCLUSIONS: The use of skin flaps in the post-auricular region and the mastoid region associated with or without cartilage framework yields good cosmetic and functional result. The various techniques used for ear reconstruction yielded 100% satisfactory results in terms of functional outcome as well as boosting the confidence of patients.

Comparative effectiveness study between negative pressure wound therapy and conventional wound dressing on perforator flap at the Chinese tertiary referral teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Perforator flap techniques with conventional wound dressing have being extensively used in the management of soft-tissue defects. However; the flap's survival rate is not always guaranteed and the wound healing time always long. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness use of a freshly transplanted perforator flap in conjunction with Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for better clinical outcomes. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, effectiveness study comparing the clinical outcomes of VAC versus traditional wrap and bandages for the treatment of open wounds that required hospital admission and operative debridement using perforator flaps, was carried out from March 1, 2014 to March 31, 2016 at Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital. Fifty-one eligible patients were randomized into two groups; study group (perforator flaps covered by VAC) and control group (perforator flaps covered by traditional wrap and bandages). The measured clinical endpoints included the time of the first post-operative dressing change, pain visual analogical scale, perforator flap infection rate, 95% perforator flap healing time and percentage of survived perforator flap. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic profiles in the two cohorts. There were statistically significant differences in the clinical endpoints in the two groups (p < 0.001; p < 0.05, Table 2). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, VAC combining with perforator flap technique, can diminish accumulated exudation of the transferring flap, protect against postoperative infection, prolong the interval between perforator flap relocation and first postoperative dressing change, decrease pain during removal of dressing, increase perforator flap survival rate, and shorten wound healing time, with a good aesthetic outcome, a good mobility and a satisfactory therapeutic result.

Value of incisional negative pressure wound therapy in orthopaedic surgery.

Soft tissue and wound treatment after orthopaedic interventions (especially after trauma) is still an enormously challenging situation for every surgeon. Since development of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), new indications have been consistently added to the original field of application. Recently, NPWT has been applied directly over high-risk closed surgical incisions. Review of the literature indicates that this therapy has shown positive effects on incisions after total ankle replacement or calcaneal fractures, preventing haematoma and wound dehiscence. In those cases reduced swelling, decreased pain and healing time of the wound were seen. Additionally, NPWT applied on incisions after acetabular fractures showed a decreased rate of infection and wound healing problems compared with published infection rates. Even after total hip arthroplasty, incisional NPWT reduced incidence of postoperative seroma and improved wound healing. In patients with tibial plateau, pilon or calcaneus fractures requiring surgical stabilisation after blunt trauma, reduced risk of developing acute and chronic wound dehiscence and infection was observed when using incisional NPWT. To conclude, incisional NPWT can help to reduce risk of delayed wound healing and infection after severe trauma and orthopaedic interventions.

Utility of a Synthetic Hybrid-Scale Fiber Matrix in Surgical Soft Tissue Reconstruction.

Background: Large wounds, regardless of etiology, can be difficult to close and often require advanced treatment. The complexity of healing these wounds increases when underlying structures such as tendon and muscle are exposed. These structures are difficult to granulate tissue over, and successful wound closure, whether through secondary intention or via a split-thickness skin graft or flap, is dependent on sufficient coverage of the exposed bone or tendon. Given these challenges, new treatment options should be explored to achieve successful outcomes in this patient population. A resorbable synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix, with a structure similar to that of native human extracellular matrix, is gaining popularity in the treatment of soft tissue defects. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted via review of medical charts. Patients included in this review were treated with the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix to manage large, deep wounds with exposed structures. Twenty-two patients with deep surgical wounds of various etiologies were treated with the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix to granulate the wound bed in preparation for a split-thickness skin graft or flap closure or until complete re-epithelialization of the wound. Results: The average patient age was 59.3 years old, and the average initial wound size was 210.3 cm². All wounds had exposed structures, which included muscle, fat, fascia, or tendon. Wounds were closed utilizing healing by secondary intent (23%), bridging to a split-thickness skin graft (63%), or bridging to a flap closure (14%). All wounds achieved total closure within an average of 41.4 days with no reported complications. Conclusions: The synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix demonstrated efficacy encouraging granulation tissue over exposed structures and should be considered as a novel treatment option for complex soft tissue reconstruction.

Surgical Aspects of Wound Care in Older Adults.

The physical, emotional, and financial toll of acute and chronic nonhealing wounds on older adults and their caregivers is immense. Surgical treatment of wounds in older adults can facilitate healing but must consider the medical complexity of the patient, the patient's desires for treatment and the likelihood of healing. Innovative approaches and devices can promote rapid healing. By using a team approach, from preoperative planning to postoperative care, with a focus on the needs and desires of the patient, successful outcomes with improved patient satisfaction are possible even in medically complex patients.

Simple and effective approach for the treatment of traumatic wounds in non-diabetic patients: a prospective open study.

Infection is one of the most important obstacles in the wound-healing process. Conventional methods used for the treatment of wound infections have their own limitations and hence, are difficult to control. If infection is not addressed well in time, it will further increase morbidity and cost of treatment. An attempt was made to develop a simple and effective treatment modality by using citric acid as the sole antimicrobial agent to control bacterial infections of traumatic wounds. A total of 259 cases of traumatic wounds infected with a variety of bacteria were investigated for culture and susceptibility, and susceptibility to citric acid. Citric acid ointment (3%) was applied to traumatic wounds to determine its efficacy in their treatment of traumatic wounds. In a culture and susceptibility study, a total of 369 aerobic bacteria and 7 fungi were isolated, with Staphylococcus aureus (30.31%) being the most common isolate and ciprofloxacin (61.43%) being the most effective agent. All the isolates were found to be inhibited by citric acid in in vitro studies (minimum inhibitory concentration--500-2500 µg/ml). Citric acid ointment was found effective in controlling infections. Out of 259 cases, 244 (around 95%) were healed completely in 5-25 applications of 3% citric acid. As citric acid has antibacterial activity and wound-healing property; hence it is the best alternative for the treatment of traumatic wounds. Besides these properties, citric acid has no adverse effects and it is a good dressing agent.

Advances in Soft Tissue Injuries Associated with Open Fractures.

Management of soft tissue injury is a key component in the overall treatment of upper extremity fractures. Hand surgeons must rely on their armamentarium for treating soft tissue deficits for functional outcomes. Understanding the role of fracture fixation and wound adjuncts, including negative pressure wound therapy and dermal regenerative templates, is the keys to success. In addition, detailed knowledge of local and free tissue options is essential for hand reconstruction.

For Medical Directors: Case Report of a Missed Wooden Foreign Body in the Forehead.

Traumatic wounds, often contaminated with foreign material, are a common presenting complaint in the emergency setting. Unfortunately, embedded foreign material can go initially undetected or not be fully removed, leading to morbidity and becoming a common cause of medical malpractice claims. Here, we present a case of a missed wooden foreign body, including associated risk factors, potential contributing cognitive errors, recommendations to avoid such errors, and finally, a description of the case's resolution. In addition, we will present steps taken after the error was recognized that would provide a better understanding to the patient and entail a "blameless" education plan to the team of clinicians. Developing a sincere and authentic connection with the patient and their family after the unexpected outcome is crucial. Additionally, these cases are outstanding learning tools for the individual clinician, as well as, the rest of the providers if processed in a non-blaming and educational manner.

Revisiting the Role of Amniotic Membrane Dressing in Acute Large Traumatic Wounds: A Randomized Feasibility Study at a Level 1 Trauma Centre.

Introduction: Acute large traumatic wounds require temporary dressing prior to the definitive soft tissue reconstruction, as the physiological derangement during the immediate postinjury period delays the definitive surgical intervention. Selecting an ideal dressing material from numerous available synthetic dressings and skin substitutes poses a challenge. Although amniotic membrane (AM) scaffold has a definitive role in promoting wound healing in burns and chronic wounds, however, its efficacy in acute large traumatic wound is lacking. The present trial aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AM in wound bed preparation before the definitive soft-tissue reconstruction in acute large traumatic wounds. Methods: Sixty patients with acute large traumatic wounds (>10 cm × 10 cm) were divided into two groups (conventional dressing and AM dressing) using simple mixed block randomization. Wounds were assessed using the Bates Jensen Score at various timelines for the signs of early wound healing. The primary outcome was to evaluate the time taken for the wound bed preparation for definitive soft-tissue reconstruction. The secondary outcome was the pain assessment and complications, if any. Results: There was significant reduction in the wound exudate as well as peripheral tissue edema in the intervention group (P = 0.01). AM dressing was significantly less painful (P = 0.01). The incidence of wound infection and need for debridement was decreased in the intervention group. However, the time interval to definitive soft-tissue coverage was statistically insignificant and comparable in both the groups. No adverse reactions were seen in either group. Conclusion: AM dressings are safe and efficacious with significant reduction in wound exudates and peripheral edema. However, these dressings do not hasten the wound maturation as compared to conventional dressings. AM dressings can be used as a less painful alternative to conventional dressing in the management of large acute posttraumatic wounds.

Outcomes of Sciatic Nerve Injury Repairs: A Systematic Review.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the surgical repair techniques and the outcomes of sciatic nerve injuries in traumatic wounds. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the following keywords:sciatic, nerve, repair, technique, conduit, graft, reconstruction, outcome, rehabilitation, recovery, function, surgery, and NOT anesthesia. Results: In total, 715 studies were retrieved. After abstract review, 13 articles fit the criteria. A total of 2627 repairs were carried out, including nerve grafts (n = 953), suture (n = 482), and neurolysis (n = 1192). Six studies reported good motor outcome, and good sensory outcome was reported across 2 studies. The thigh region accounted for 81.5% of lesions. Sciatic, peroneal, and tibial nerves were all equally affected. Gunshot wounds were the most common mechanism of injury (22.6%). Conclusions: The cumulative evidence demonstrates sciatic nerve injury repair has poor motor and sensory outcomes. This study shows there is a lack of standardized outcome measures, making comparisons very difficult. Graft lengths of <4 cm within the intermediate region yielded more successful outcomes. Further higher quality studies of nerve transfers in the lower limbs are needed to determine the optimal repair to restore sciatic nerve function.

Pulsatile lavage systems and their potential to penetrate soft tissue.

BACKGROUND: In orthopedic and trauma surgery, pulsatile lavage systems are used to clean soft tissue. This may be necessary in septic surgeries or in case of contaminated wounds after trauma. Positive features such as reduction of bacterial contamination and removal of foreign particles are counterbalanced by negative aspects such as bacterial seeding in deeper tissue layers, damage to various tissues and even cases of air embolism. PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective experimental in vitro study was to compare impact pressure and flow rate in three different pulsatile lavage systems and to determine, whether these parameters alter their ability to reach deeper soft tissue layers. METHODS: To test the penetration of soft tissue, the muscle tissue was flushed with contrast medium instead of saline fluid and afterwards scanned by computed tomography. RESULTS: Impact pressure and flow rate showed significant differences between the different systems. There were no significant differences between the three devices in terms of total penetration volume, but there were significant differences in penetration depth. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that higher impact pressure leads to deeper penetration and therefore bacteria are likely to be transferred to deeper tissue layers.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Soft Tissue Injury in Open Musculoskeletal Trauma: A Prospective Study.

Background Non-union, chronic pain, functional disability, and infection are all things that have been associated with open fractures with severe soft tissue damage leading to the need for additional hospitalization, and sometimes even subsequent surgeries and weeks or months of rehabilitation. Open fractures and severe musculoskeletal injuries are occasionally treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in an effort to reduce the risk of complications and increase the likelihood of a successful recovery. Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was done between January 2019 and August 2022 at a tertiary health care center including 60 patients with a severe soft tissue injury (Grade II and III) divided into two groups - group-CT (30 patients who received conventional treatment) and group HT (30 patients, who received HBOT in addition to conventional treatment). The outcome was measured according to the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. Results The wound size, depth, and granulation were significantly reduced in group-HT patients. In the final session, the patient's severity of the wound in group-HT was significantly reduced (P = 0.0001) compared to group-CT. Conclusions Patients who received HBOT reported a significant improvement in their wounds.

Silver Nanoparticle-Based Dressings for Various Wounds: Benefits and Adverse Effects.

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are a novel therapeutic approach to wound dressings because of their antibacterial properties. Silver has been used throughout history for many purposes. However, evidence-based information about the benefits of AgNP-based wound dressings and potential adverse effects is still required. This study is to comprehensively review the benefits and complications of AgNP-based wound dressings for different wound types and address the knowledge gaps. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We collected and reviewed the relevant literature from available sources. RESULTS: AgNP-based dressings have antimicrobial activity and promote healing with only minor complications, making them suitable for several types of wounds. However, we could not identify any reports on AgNP-based wound dressings for common acute traumatic wounds, such as lacerations and abrasions; this includes comparative studies of AgNP-based and conventional wound dressings for such wound types. CONCLUSIONS: AgNP-based dressings benefit traumatic, cavity, dental, and burn wounds with only minor complications. However, further studies are needed to discern their benefits for specific traumatic wound types.

Using Absorbable Sutures for Traumatic Wound Closure to Avoid Additional Hospital Visits for Suture Removal During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic worldwide forced governments to undertake intervention measures to encourage social distancing. Meanwhile, traumatic skin lacerations require multiple hospital visits for dressing changing and suture removal since they are usually repaired with non-absorbable sutures. These visits can be avoided by using absorbable sutures instead. However, absorbable sutures carry the "potential" risk of wound infection. In the current study, our first objective was to determine the non-inferiority of absorbable sutures regarding infection rate after repairing traumatic wound lacerations in comparison to the conventional non-absorbable ones. Our second objective was to evaluate the superiority of absorbable sutures in regard to postoperative clinic visits for suture removal and wound dressing compared to the non-absorbable ones. Methods A sample of 471 patients with traumatic skin lacerations was analyzed during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. In the control group, wounds were repaired using non-absorbable sutures, while rapid-onset absorbable sutures were used in the treatment group. By conducting a phone/video call follow-up after 21 days, several parameters regarding infection signs and clinic visits were compared between both groups. Results A significant decrease in total trauma patients (45.4%) and those who required suturing (51.2%) was observed in April 2020 compared to the same month of the previous four years (p = 0.001 (2016), p = 0.027 (2017), p = 0.027 (2018), and p = 0.001 (2019)). Regarding wound infection, no statistically significant difference (p = 0.623) was observed between the absorbable (3.2%) and non-absorbable (4.9%) groups. Using absorbable sutures resulted in significantly (p < 0.001) fewer postoperative hospital visits compared to using non-absorbable sutures (mean: one versus three visits). Conclusion Using absorbable sutures to repair traumatic wound lacerations is safe regarding wound healing and infection rates. They also reduce postoperative hospital visits since they are not intended to be removed. Therefore, they should be considered during a pandemic to reduce hospital visits for suture removal, which will subsequently enhance social distancing and relieve hospital load.

Outcomes of topical phenytoin in the management of traumatic wounds.

INTRODUCTION: Regular dressing of traumatic wounds is of paramount importance for healing. Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant, is thought to promote wound healing through multiple mechanisms, including fibroblast proliferation, granulation tissue formation, antibacterial activity, and pain alleviation. AIM: To assess the effect of topical phenytoin on traumatic wound healing in terms of granulation tissue formation, pain alleviation, and time taken for wound healing. METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients with traumatic wounds were divided into equal and comparable groups. After cleaning the wound, phenytoin dressing was done in the study group and saline dressing in the control group. Thereafter, regular dressings of the wounds were done, and healing was assessed on day 14 and day 21. RESULTS: On day 14, the wound surface area, percentage of granulation tissue, VAS score amongst cases was 39.4 ± 29.75 cm2, 82.12 ± 9.71%, 4.52 ± 1.08, and that of controls was and 51.28 ± 25.33 cm2, 62.72 ± 9.01%, 6.52 ± 1.22, respectively. On day 21, the wound surface area, percentage of granulation tissue, VAS score amongst cases were 29.4 ± 29.88 cm2, 92 ± 4.46%, 2.8 ± 0.94, and that of controls were 38.92 ± 23.24 cm2, 78.56 ± 8.19%, and 4.88 ± 1.17, respectively. The time taken for wound healing was 21.76 ± 5.28 days amongst cases and 31.64 ± 8.31 days amongst controls. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism isolated in both the groups. On day 14,18(72%), wounds in the study group showed negative culture, whereas, in the control group, it was negative in 12 (48%) patients. The rate of granulation tissue formation was higher in cases when compared to controls amongst smokers and diabetics. The difference in all these parameters between the groups was statistically significant (P-value <0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We observed a considerable increase in granulation tissue formation, pain alleviation, and reduction in time taken for wound healing. Topical phenytoin is a safe, effective, readily available, and frugal agent that can accelerate wound healing through its multimodal action, thus reducing patient morbidity and economic burden. MESH TERMS: Phenytoin, Wound healing, Topical, Ulcer, Anticonvulsant, Granulation Tissue, Saline dressing.

Effects of topical oxygen therapy on chronic traumatic wounds and its impact on granulation tissue.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of topical oxygen therapy and its impacts on granulation tissue in patients with chronic traumatic wounds. METHOD: A total of 112 patients with chronic traumatic wounds were randomly divided into the control group (n=56, receiving negative-pressure wound therapy) and the intervention group (n=56, receiving negative-pressure wound therapy plus topical oxygen therapy) using a random number table and they were treated continuously for 2 weeks. Then, the scores from the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH), the coverage rate of granulation tissue, the severity of pain and Transcutaneous Oxygen Partial Pressure (TcPO2) before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Also, the bacterial culture-positive rate, the healing rate and the healing time were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The PUSH scores were significantly decreased after treatment compated to those before treatment in the two groups, and those in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The coverage rate of granulation tissue gradually increased in the two groups from day 3 to day 14 after treatment, with that in the intervention group being higher than in the control group during the same period (all P<0.05). The bacterial culture-positive rate that was detected was significantly lower after treatment than that before treatment in the intervention group, and lower in the intervention group than in the control group after treatment (all P<0.05). The VAS scores significantly decreased and TcPO2 increased after treatment compared to those before treatment in the two groups, with changes in the intervention group being more significant than those in the control group (all P<0.05). During the 3-month follow-up, the wound healing rate was higher and the healing time shorter in the intervention group than those in the control group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Negative-pressure wound therapy plus topical oxygen therapy can substantially increase the coverage rate of granulation tissue and TcPO2 at the traumatic site, thus facilitating the healing process and shortening the time for healing. So, the efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy in combination with topical oxygen therapy is more effective in treating patients with chronic traumatic wounds than negative-pressure wound therapy alone.