Abstract
Negative pressure wound therapy（NPWT）has been shown to accelerate wound healing. We applied NPWT to eight patients who had fingertip injuries with bone exposure. Rehabilitation of finger joints was continued under NPWT. The treatment period, sensation, range of motion, and fingertip shape were evaluated after the treatment. The average treatment duration decreased from 75.0 days ( non-NPWT, ointment therapy only ) to 53.8 days ( 17.9 days under NPWT + 35.9 days under ointment therapy ). The mean S-2PD of the fingertip after 6 months was 3.8mm, and the mean M-2PD was 2.6mm. The length of fingers treated by NPWT was maintained because there was little absorption of the bone in the distal phalanx. The shape of fingertips was acceptable and the nail plates were partially regenerated in all patients. A donor site is not required using this method. NPWT for fingertip injuries appeared to be an excellent technique and not invasive to the uninjured fingers.
