REVIEW   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2019 September;70(3):159-68

DOI: 10.23736/S0394-3410.19.03941-9

Copyright © 2019 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Eliminating dead space in the setting of orthopedic trauma: initial management and soft tissue options

Filippo ROMANELLI ¹, Ivan BANDOVIC ², Richard S. YOON ¹ ✉, Frank A. LIPORACE ¹

¹ Division of Orthopedic Trauma and Adult Reconstruction, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jersey City Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health, Jersey City, NJ, USA; ² NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

Dead space is defined as the residual tissue void after severe insult due to infection, debridement, or trauma. Dead space secondary to injury is a common complication in orthopedic trauma, complicating and prolonging recovery. This review aims to present the current methods of management for dead space and soft tissue defects, specifically the initial evaluation, initial management, and available reconstructive options.

KEY WORDS: Respiratory dead space; Wounds and injuries; Debridement; Infection; Negative-pressure wound therapy; Bandages