Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of the vacuum sealing drainage(VSD) combining with external fixation stents in the treatment of lower limb destroyed damage.Methods From October 2007 to November 2011,the VSD combining with external fixation stents was used in 22 patients with lower limb destroyed damage.All the patients were performed emergency debridement,open reduction,external fixation,and the wounds were covered by VSD materials with positive washing function.The repair of the wounds of second stage was performed by skin grafts or vascular pedicle flap when the wounds were clean and granulation growth was observed.Results Twenty-two patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months.All wounds were closed after VSD treatment for 7 to 21 days(average 13 days).Infection was occurred in 3 cases(13.6%),and was healed by daily dressing and antibiotic treatment.The fracture healing time was 4 to 12 months(mean 6.5 months).Conclusion The VSD combining with external fixation stents could stabilize the fracture effectively,early close the wounds,promote the fracture healing,reduce complications,and is a good choice for the treatment of lower limb destroyed damage.

Key words: Destroyed damage, External fixation stents, Vacuum sealing drainage