Application of the vacuum-assisted closure in pediatric patients with orthopedic sequelae of meningococcemia: report of a case successfully treated

Patients who survive the initial acute phase of fulminant meningococcemia are at an increased risk for serious complications as a result of poor tissue perfusion. It is rare that early surgical intervention is required, as it is relatively difficult to determine the degree of tissue loss early on. Once the patient is stable, debridement of all necrotic tissue is essential and may necessitate extensive removal of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. Widespread use of the vacuum-assisted closure for complex soft tissue injuries has generally showed accelerated wound healing compared with traditional methods. We report a new possible application of the vacuum-assisted closure system in very young patients with loss of tissue as a result of purpura fulminans secondary to meningococcemia. J Pediatr Orthop B 18:388-391 © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.