To describe the indications and contraindications for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). We performed a review of the existing literature on negative pressure wound therapy on the OVID, PubMed, Cochrane and Medigraphic databases. This is a non-invasive and active healing system that uses controlled and localized negative pressure. It consists of a specialized dressing with a crosslinked sponge, and a tube through which the exudate flows into an airtight container. This system forms microdeformations on the bed of the wound, which have been demonstrated to be a major cause of fibroblast migration, resulting in the formation of better-quality tissue, granulation tissue formation, and angiogenesis. In relation to the infection, the main focus of treatment is to drain all the pus, removing debris, devitalized tissue, foreign bodies and the etiology of infection. The indications of NPWT are: acute wounds, chronic trauma, burns, diabetic ulcers, or decubitus and open abdomen. It is contraindicated in wounds with necrotic tissue, untreated osteomyelitis, and unexplored non-enteric fistulas, and its use is not recommended in areas of malignancy. This method is effective for the treatment of post-surgical infections of the vertebral spine, with an average time of use of 1 to 4 weeks.
Negative-pressure wound therapy; Infection; Vertebral spine
