Coverage of Deep Cutaneous Wounds Using Dermal Template in Combination with Negative-pressure Therapy and Subsequent Skin Graft.

BACKGROUND: We consider the use of dermal matrix associated with a skin graft to cover deep wounds in the extremities when tendon and bone are exposed. The objective of this article was to evaluate the efficacy of covering acute deep wounds through the use of a dermal regeneration template (Integra) associated with vacuum therapy and subsequent skin grafting. METHODS: Twenty patients were evaluated prospectively. All of them had acute (up to 3 weeks) deep wounds in the limbs. We consider a deep wound to be that with exposure of bone, tendon, or joint. RESULTS: The average area of integration of the dermal regeneration template was 86.5%. There was complete integration of the skin graft over the dermal matrix in 14 patients (70%), partial integration in 5 patients (25%), and total loss in 1 case (5%). The wound has completely closed in 95% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Integra dermal template associated with negative-pressure therapy and skin grafting showed an adequate rate of resolution of deep wounds with low morbidity.

Sensory testing in patients with hemodialysis-associated carpal tunnel syndrome submitted to surgical decompression.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy of the upper limb. Close to 5% of patients with chronic renal failure who need hemodialysis present CTS. Clinical history and physical examination remain the most adequate tools for diagnosis, and there is still controversy regarding the most reliable test to complement it. Evaluation of sensory thresholds using Pressure-Specified Sensory Device (PSSD) has become an important instrumental test. METHOD: This study aimed to determine the values of pressure sensory thresholds using the PSSD before and after treatment of CTS in a special group of patients who underwent chronic hemodialysis. The PSSD incorporates a pressure transducer linked to a computer capable of measuring the cutaneous pressure thresholds referred by the patient. Two groups were compared as follows: group 1, patients with hemodialysis-related CTS; and group 2, CTS in non-hemodialysis patients. The following measurements were assessed: static one point, moving one point, static two points, and moving two points. RESULTS: There was improvement (lower thresholds) in the postoperative measurements in all parameters assessed in group 1, and improvements in all parameters except the moving one point test in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve decompression, as expected, can be considered a good treatment of CTS even in more severe cases as in those patients under hemodialysis. The PSSD tests were reliable to confirm the diagnosis and thus to indicate the decompression. It is even more beneficial to provide a comparison between preoperative and postoperative data and different causes of CTS.

Experimental model of degloving injury in rats: effect of allopurinol and pentoxifylline in improving viability of avulsed flaps.

BACKGROUND: Degloving injuries may be a challenge when it comes to deciding the surgical approach to be used. Repositioning of the flap and suturing are faster and more straightforward, but often these procedures often lead to total or partial loss of the avulsed flap. Pharmacological agents with vascular properties that enhance the viability of the reattached flap could be beneficial to patients with degloving injuries. Experimental models with which to test this hypothesis are scarce. An experimental model reproducing a degloving injury of the hind limb of rats was developed in our department, and the effects of pentoxifylline (Ptx) and allopurinol (Alp) were assessed. METHODS: In all, 3 groups of rats were studied (25 rats each). A hind limb degloving model was used in all groups, resulting in a reverse flow flap. The flap was then repositioned and sutured. The control (Ct) group received only saline solution, the Ptx group received pentoxifylline (25 mg/kg), and the Alp group received allopurinol (45 mg/kg). The rats were observed for 7 days, after which they were killed, and the flap was removed. The total area of the avulsed flap and the necrotic area were measured. RESULTS: The median total flap area (cm) was 5.6 for the Ct group, 5.5 for the Ptx group, and 5.8 for the Alp group (P = 0.9465). Thus, the flaps were similar. The median necrotic flap area (cm) was 3.3 for the Ct group, 2.3 for the Ptx group, and 1.9 for the Alp group (P = 0.0001). There was a statistical difference between the Ct and Ptx groups and the Ct and Alp groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The areas of necrosis observed in the degloved flaps of the rats' hind limbs were smaller in the pentoxifylline and allopurinol groups. Although allopurinol seems to be more efficient, the difference was not significant.