Objective:
This case report reviews features of negative pressure wound therapy, particularly for the exposed Achilles tendon, and describes an additional effective procedure.
Methods:
An 87-year-old man presented with a soft-tissue defect measuring 3×5 cm with the exposed Achilles tendon as a sequela of deep burn. The condition of his affected leg was ischemic because of arteriosclerosis. We used negative pressure wound therapy and made 2 longitudinal slits penetrating the tendon to induce blood flow from the ventral side to the dorsal surface.
Results:
By this combination therapy, the surface of the exposed Achilles tendon was completely epithelialized and the tendon was spared without disuse syndrome.
Conclusions:
The authors conclude that this combination therapy is useful for covering the widely exposed tendon in aged patients.