Reduced pressure wound dressing having a wound contact surface with columnar protrusions

A reduced pressure treatment system for delivering a reduced pressure to a tissue site comprising:

• a distribution manifold including a backing substrate with a first and second side and a plurality of protrusions positioned on the first side of the backing substrate, each protrusion having a base end nearest the backing substrate and a second end opposite the base end, at least one of the protrusions having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and tapering inward such that a width of the at least one protrusion at the base end is greater than a width at the second end, the backing substrate having a plurality of apertures formed therein to allow fluid communication between the first side and the second side;
• and
• a reduced pressure source fluidly connected to the apertures of the backing substrate to deliver the reduced pressure through the apertures, between the protrusions, and to the tissue site.