Evaluation of PICO dressings in foot and ankle arthrodesis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot Study to Evaluate Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Foot and Ankle Arthrodesis
IRAS ID
116731
Contact name
Chris Marquis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Currently at least 100 patients each year undergo ankle, hind-foot or mid-foot fusion surgery at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital and of these most go on to have a trouble free recovery, however around 15% of patients have problems with wound-healing. Those patients that have problems with their wound usually encounter a longer in-patient stay after their surgery, they may be prescribed antibiotics, may receive topical wound care and some may have to endure further surgical procedures to debride the wound (removal of infected tissue).\nThe standard post-operative care at this trust involves patients being fitted with a back-slab (half plaster cast) which is elevated post-operatively overnight, they can normally be discharged once any drains (if used) have been removed and they can move around safely without putting weight on the affected foot/ankle. In-patient stay post-operatively varies a little but most patients are discharged home after 2-3 days.\nPICO negative pressure wound therapy systems have been used successfully to treat other post-surgical wounds such as hip and knee implants, knee replacements, and breast reconstructions however to date these dressings have not been trialled in the foot and ankle fusion wounds of patients, especially those in the high risk categories (including obesity, RA, lymphoedema, previous wound problems, diabetes, psoriasis, dermatitis, peripheral oedema, peripheral vascular disease etc.).
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0187
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion