Vacuum-assisted closure versus moist dressings in the treatment of diabetic wound ulcers after partial foot amputation: A retrospective analysis in 65 patients:

Purpose:Changes in weight-bearing patterns after partial foot amputations may lead to new localized high-pressure points and keratosis due to ulcerations in patients with neuropathies and hypovascular limbs. As a result, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) after partial foot amputations are very complex. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy with conventional moist wound dressings in the treatment of diabetic wound ulcers after partial foot amputations.Methods:Sixty-five diabetic patients with a DFU, who had previously undergone partial foot amputation surgery, were assigned to treatment with VAC (group A: 31 patients) or conventional wound moist dressing (group B: 34 patients). The final results were considered as failed treatment if reamputation was required. Conversely, reaching 90% of wound granulation was considered to be a successful endpoint.Results:The average time to reach 90% granulation tissue was significantly lower in group A (7.8 ± 1.2 weeks ...