Abstract |
Complex hand injuries can be difficult to dress effectively and achieve adequate splintage of the hand in a functional position. During the past 7 years, we have had a great deal of success with topical negative-pressure dressings in the management of complex blast-related extremity war injuries. We have more recently changed to using a gauze-based system and have found this particularly useful in dressing complex hand injuries. We have been able to use this vacuum dressing system to splint the hand in a position of function. This provides an easily applied dressing that, through topical negative pressure, promotes wound healing and ensures a resting functional position, thus minimizing postoperative stiffness. We have not been able to achieve this as efficiently with standard dressings and plaster-of-Paris casts. This article details the technique of functional splinting of complex hand injuries using a gauze-based, topical negative-pressure dressing system.
|
Authors | Christopher J Taylor, Darren L Chester, Steven L Jeffery |
Journal | The Journal of hand surgery
(J Hand Surg Am)
Vol. 36
Issue 11
Pg. 1848-51
(Nov 2011)
ISSN: 1531-6564 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22036283
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
|
Copyright | Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc. |
Topics |
- Blast Injuries
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Forearm Injuries
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Fractures, Open
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Hand Injuries
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Humans
- Injury Severity Score
- Male
- Military Personnel
- Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy
(methods)
- Occlusive Dressings
- Treatment Outcome
- Warfare
- Wound Healing
(physiology)
|