# Role of Negative Suction Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Delayed Post-operative Wound Healing: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes the successful use of vacuum-assisted closure and platelet-rich plasma to manage a complex tibial fracture with delayed wound healing.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel combination of VAC and PRP for treating post-operative wound dehiscence in a challenging tibial fracture case.

## Key findings

- Vacuum-assisted closure and platelet-rich plasma therapy effectively managed post-operative wound dehiscence.
- The combination improved wound healing outcomes in a complex AO type 43C3 fracture case.
- This approach shows promise for managing delayed wound healing in high-energy tibial fractures.

## Abstract

Tibial Pilon fractures are rare yet devastating injuries. To classify these fractures, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification system is the most commonly used method. Out of all the different types, type C fractures are the most difficult to manage because the enormous energy involved in creating this type of injury typically severely destroys the soft tissue surrounding the fracture zone. As a result, long-term outcomes are frequently poor, and proper initial primary care is critical. Pilon fractures are injuries that are difficult to manage, considering the poor soft tissue envelope. These injuries often are associated with delayed wound healing and require staged management. Additional methods of treating the soft tissue envelope are currently being investigated and have shown promising results for the future. We share our experience in the management of AO type 43C3 grade I compound distal tibia fibular fracture with post-operative wound dehiscence, successfully managed with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.