Role of Low-Cost Negative Pressure Dressing in the Management of Sacral Pressure Injuries and its Impact on Functional Recovery in Neuro-rehabilitation: A Retrospective Case Series

Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i01.5188 · Published: January 1, 2025

Orthopedics Rehabilitation Dermatology

Simple Explanation

Pressure injuries are a common issue, especially for those bedridden. They can be hard to heal and add to healthcare costs. This paper looks at using a low-cost method of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to help these injuries heal faster. NPWT involves applying suction to a wound to remove fluids and encourage blood flow, which can speed up healing. However, regular NPWT systems can be expensive. This case series explores how a low-cost NPWT dressing, combined with rehabilitation, helped five patients with sacral pressure injuries to heal and improve their ability to function.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Five patients with Grade IV sacral pressure injuries

Evidence Level

Case Series

Key Findings

1
The study found a 42.86% average improvement in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores from admission to discharge, indicating improved functional outcomes.
2
The highest healing rate based on Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score was 3.57% per week for one patient, and the highest healing rate by surface area reduction was 5.44% per week for the same patient.
3
The low-cost negative pressure dressing (NPD) was observed to be a safe and effective method for managing pressure injuries, preventing further infection, and optimizing and accelerating healing.

Research Summary

This retrospective case series investigated the use of low-cost negative pressure dressing (NPD) in managing sacral pressure injuries (PIs) in five patients, alongside an individualized rehabilitation protocol, to assess its impact on wound healing and functional recovery. The study measured the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score and the reduction in surface area of the wounds weekly, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score at admission and discharge, to evaluate the healing rate and functional outcomes. The results indicated a significant improvement in FIM scores and a notable healing rate as measured by PUSH scores and surface area reduction, suggesting that low-cost NPD is a safe, effective, and cost-effective method for managing PIs and enhancing functional recovery.

Practical Implications

Cost-Effective Wound Management

Low-cost NPD offers an economical alternative to expensive VAC systems, making it accessible in resource-constrained settings.

Improved Functional Outcomes

The combination of low-cost NPD and individualized rehabilitation protocols can lead to significant improvements in patients' functional independence and quality of life.

Reduced Infection Risk

NPD helps prevent further infection and optimizes healing in pressure injuries, reducing the risk of complications and the need for surgical interventions.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size of five patients limits generalizability.
2
Retrospective design may introduce bias.
3
Lack of a control group makes it difficult to definitively attribute improvements solely to the low-cost NPD.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Orthopedics