Wound Vac Bandage Comparison After Spinal Fusion

A prospective randomized controlled study: Patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion will
be randomized to a standard postoperative dressing versus an incisional VAC dressing. Both
groups will have hematocrit, total lymphocyte count, and albumin checked preoperatively to
assess nutritional status, drawn at the same time as standard preoperative labs during
history and physical visit. Both groups will undergo standard wound closure and dressing
application before breaking the sterile field. The incisional VAC group will undergo
placement of an Adaptic dressing over the incision. A standard VAC sponge will be placed and
secured with adhesive dressing, and a suction tube will be connected to a VAC machine set to
75 mmHg of continuous suction. The incisional VAC will be left in place for 72 hours
postoperatively. Remainder of postoperative care will follow our standard posterior spinal
fusion protocol and will be identical in both groups. Patients will be followed for a minimum
of 2 years postoperatively.

Inclusion Criteria:

- any patient 17 years and younger

- neuromuscular scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion

Exclusion Criteria:

- idiopathic and congenital scoliosis

- any type of spine surgery other than posterior spinal fusion (eg. vertical expandable
prosthetic titanium rib placement, growing rod placement, anterior spinal fusion)

- intraoperative dural tear

- documented allergy to adhesive dressings