Degloving Injury Management: Application of Negative Pressure

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Degloving Injury Management: Application of Negative Pressure

Degloving injuries can be particularly severe, particularly if they encompass a large amount of the extremity’s surface area. Therefore, it is essential to use every tool possible to maximize the potential for a positive outcome. One of the tools that can be employed is called negative pressure therapy and a recent research paper demonstrated good outcomes in patients receiving this form of treatment.

The Dangers of a Degloving Injury

A degloving injury is traumatic and can occur due to a variety of different causes. Some of the common mechanisms of a degloving injury include an auto accident, rock climbing, and bicycle accidents. Any opportunity for the skin to scrape along hard surfaces (such as rocks or pavement) gives the opportunity for the skin to catch on the surface. If the skin catches, it can be avulsed (or pulled off) from the tissue underneath. If the skin is removed from the tissue, serious complications and comorbidities can develop. For example, the skin is the first barrier against infection. If this barrier is removed, it is easier for the site to become infected. Infections can spread and cause serious problems which could require intensive treatment in the hospital. Another possible complication is the removal of important nerves and blood vessels from the tissue beneath the injury site. These supporting structures are important for supplying nutrients and relaying motor and sensory function throughout the body. Because of these potential issues, it is important to make sure that the repair is performed correctly.

Negative Pressure: Improved Outcomes

When a degloving injury site requires repair, there are several different treatment options that must be considered. For example, can the skin be reattached to its original site? Or, does the skin need to be removed so that a new graft from a different location can be applied? Has any of the underlying tissue been removed with the skin and, if so, how should this be handled? These are complex decisions that should be made in conjunction with a trained negative professional; however, when the skin has been reattached, it is important to make sure that this skin is secured to the tissue underneath. In order to encourage this attachment, negative pressure therapy is an option to ensure the two sides “stick” together. A recent research publication discussed the success of negative pressure therapy in improving the outcome of patients with degloving injuries. Negative pressure essentially “sucks” out the pockets of air and liquid that may form between a skin graft and the tissue underneath. This not only helps the medical process of the binding between the graft and the tissue but can also improve the aesthetic outcome as well.

Injuries and Legal Assistance

Degloving injuries are serious and can have chronic motor and sensory implications even after the recovery has been completed. This can make it a challenge for someone to return to school or work, causing serious quality of life issues. If the injured party requires lots of follow-up with medical specialists and physical therapists, this can become an expensive process that insurance may not agree to cover. These are complex problems that could be made easier following a consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer has dealt with these issues in the past and can help not only the individual but also their loved ones maximize their chance for a successful outcome. Do not hesitate to reach out for help because everyone needs assistance in their time of need.

Degloving Injury Lawyers in Sacramento 

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney. Individuals that have sustained a degloving injury following a traumatic accident can reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for compassionate advice without charge or obligation.

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Image Attribution: The picture at the top was found on Wikimedia Commons and has been printed here under the CC License, version 3.0.

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