Chronic Wounds
What is a wound?
Wounds are any defect in the surface covering of the body and may involve not only the skin, but also the fat layer underneath and in certain instances the muscle, bones, nerves, tendons and ligaments. A chronic wound develops when any acute wound fails to heal in the expected time frame for that type of wound.
Types of wounds commonly treated by plastic surgeons:
- Venous Stasis Ulcers
- Pressure Ulcers (bed sores)
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Non-Healing Surgical Wounds
- Arterial Ulcers
- Traumatic Wounds
- Bone Infection (Osteomyelitis)
- Gangrene
- Skin Tears / Lacerations
- Burns
How are wounds treated?
Dr. Sadik may recommend several options for treating a wound. Small wounds that are expected to heal spontaneously may require nothing more than a regimen of cleansing, specialized dressing changes, and close monitoring. Topically applied ointments may be recommended in order to decrease bacterial contamination or facilitate shedding of unhealthy tissue.
Bioengineered skin substitutes are currenty being used by Dr. Sadik to assist with wound healing. Examples of these skin substitutes include:
- Oasis Ultra: a naturally derived, intact porcine (pig) small intestine tissue (http://www.oasiswoundmatrix.com/aboutou)
- Integra Bilayer Matrix Wound Dressing: An advanced wound care device comprised of bovine (cow) collagen and a silicone layer (http://www.ilstraining.com/bmwd/bmwd/bmwd_it_01.html)
- Alloderm: an acellular human dermis (http://www.lifecell.com/health-care-professionals/lifecell-products/allodermr-regenerative-tissue-matrix/allodermr-tissue-matrix-defined/)
- Gamma Graft: an irradiated human skin graft (http://www.pl-s.com/gammagraft.html)
In some instances, chronic wounds require surgical treatment. Surgical debridement will remove unhealthy tissue, and surgical reconstruction may include skin grafts, local muscle or skin flaps, and transfer of healthy muscle or skin flaps with the assistance of microsurgery to maintain circulation to the closed wounds. (see “Reconstruction” for further detail of these surgical options.)
Dr. Sadik is expertly trained at evaluating and treating chronic wounds. If you are interested in learning more about chronic wound care please contact (570) 887-2884.
