Validation of a Manual Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device (PragmaVAC) for Acute and Chronic Wounds: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an alternative to the standard gauze dressings for wound treatment. Due to limited health resources, poor electrical supply, and high costs, NPWT in resource-constrained settings is inaccessible. In conflict-affected settings, civilian injuries typically involve traumatic wounds or chronic wound infections that affect the extremities.

External fixation for primary and definitive management of open long bone fractures: the Syrian war experience.

Aims: To report on the experience of one field hospital in using external fixation as a primary and definitive treatment for open long bone fractures during the Syrian war.

Methods: A total of 955 patients with open long bone fractures (femur, tibia, humerus) who were operated and followed up at a field hospital in Aleppo, Syria, from 2011 to 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Different types of uniplanar and some multiplanar external fixators were used solely as a primary and definitive tool until bone union was achieved.