Professional Statements and Societal Positions Guidelines
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2022 guidelines for prevention of surgical site infections after major extremity trauma included recommendations for NPWT. The recommendations from AAOS do not support the continued use of NPWT in individuals undergoing fracture fixation due to similar outcomes to standard wound care but with an increased healthcare burden. In individuals with high-risk surgical incisions, the AAOS recommends that limited evidence suggests NPWT may be an option; however, its use will be influenced by cost. Importantly, these guidelines do not specifically address use in the outpatient setting.
American Academy of Wound Care (AAWC)
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (2018): This guideline provides specific recommendations for the use of NPWT in various wound types, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and surgical wounds.
American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians (2015) published guidelines on the treatment of pressure ulcers. The guidelines stated there was low-quality evidence that the overall treatment effect of NPWT did not differ from the standard of care.