Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Compared to Standard Dressing in Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeries A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of negative pressure wound therapy NPWT for patients undergoing total knee and total hip arthroplasty. This study aims to compare the number of wound complications within 21 days after surgery and assess the appearance and quality of scarring. The trial is randomized and includes 40 patients to help understand how NPWT affects healing in these procedures. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will receive layered wound closure using specific sutures and fixation strips. The experimental group will have the Smith & Nephew PICO dressing with a small suction pump to apply negative pressure, designed to be comfortable and not interfere with mobility. The control group will receive the same dressing without suction. This setup allows evaluation of the effect of negative pressure on wound healing. During the study, researchers will monitor wound-related complications and use patient and observer scales, including the Patient Scale and Observer Scale POSAS and a multi-category visual analogue scale, all assessed 21 days after surgery. Participants will be observed for the first three weeks post-surgery to record wound issues and scar quality. The total participation duration and follow-up focus on early outcomes after joint arthroplasty.

Routine Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy THR TKR RCT