Wound Healing, Dressing Type, and Dressing Change Frequency in THA

Surgical wound complications following primary total hip arthroplasty remain a significant clinical challenge despite advances in wound care technologies. The optimal choice of dressing and frequency of dressing changes remain insufficiently investigated, particularly regarding their influence on wound healing and the wound microenvironment. This prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of dressing type and dressing change frequency on surgical wound healing in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. Ninety patients will be allocated into three treatment groups receiving either a capillary-action dressing system (VACUTEX™) or standard dressings with different dressing change intervals. The study will assess time to complete wound epithelialization, postoperative wound complications, pain intensity, wound temperature, exudate pH, length of hospital stay, and time to suture removal. In addition, the study will investigate the potential role of wound temperature and exudate pH as early indicators of impaired healing and postoperative complications.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) * Age ≥ 65 years * Ability to provide informed consent * Patients with closed surgical incision suitable for standard postoperative wound care Exclusion Criteria: * Revision hip arthroplasty * Active infection at the time of surgery * Immunosuppressive therapy or severe immunodeficiency * Known allergy to dressing materials used in the study * Severe peripheral vascular disease affecting wound healing * Inability to comply with follow-up protocol