Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Place of Surgical Drain Placement in Plantar Fibroma Excision Surgery: A Case Series

Abstract

Plantar fibromas are benign masses of fibrous tissue that develop in the arch of the foot arising from the plantar fascia. Symptomatology varies and is often related to weight bearing anatomic correlations or impingement of neurological or musculoskeletal structures. Several treatment options are available and include palliative measures, non-operative interventions and surgery, all with varying degrees of success and complication risk. The aim of this case study series was to assess surgical wound healing retrospectively in three patients who underwent wide en bloc plantar fibroma excision surgery for symptomatic lesions. Their incision was managed with a disposable closed-incision negative pressure therapy device (Prevena™; 3M + KCI, St. Paul, MN) in lieu of surgical drains. All three patients demonstrated favorable outcomes without complications.

Keywords: closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy; foot tumors; negative pressure wound therapy; plantar fibroma; podiatry; prevena; wound care.