Sterile Glove-Assisted Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for an Extensive Hand and Forearm Wound: A Technical Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is widely used in the management of complex wounds following trauma, infection, and debridement. However, application to the hand can be technically challenging because of the complex anatomy of the digits, web spaces, and transitions between the dorsal and palmar surfaces. This can make maintenance of an airtight seal difficult. We describe a sterile glove-assisted NPWT technique used in the management of an extensive hand and forearm wound secondary to necrotizing fasciitis. Case Report: A 59-year-old woman presented with a painful, erythematous wound involving the left hand and forearm. In <4 h, her mental status greatly declined and she was ultimately diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. Wound cultures grew Strep pyogenes and Candida albicans, and the patient was treated with fluconazole and serial operative debridement. Following debridement, NPWT was applied using foam over the wound and a sterile glove over the hand. The glove was incorporated into an occlusive dressing using adhesive drapes and gauze extending proximally along the extremity, creating an airtight seal. The dressing was connected to continuous negative pressure. This technique was used during staged wound management before definitive split-thickness skin grafting. Conclusion: Sterile glove-assisted NPWT provided a practical and simple method of maintaining negative pressure across complex hand and forearm anatomy during staged treatment.
Institution: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language: English
Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $250
OpenAlex ID: W7225562224
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