A Multistep Iter for Functional Reconstruction in Mangled Upper Limb: A Retrospective Analysis of Integrated Surgical and Medical Approach

Viability and Functional Prognosis in Mangled Hand Casualties Depending on Their Etiological Factors. A Study of 31 Cases

Purpose

Mangled hands refer to disfiguring severe injuries that affect many anatomical components. These injuries are evaluated using various scoring systems. In addition to these ratings, we need to include critical aspects relating to the patient, such as the trauma origin, prognosis, and procedure. We examined the significance of accident etiology in assessing trauma and predicting outcomes, as well as their value in guiding decisions for trauma treatment.

Methods

Thirty-one patients, from 6 to 73 years, have been treated for upper limb compound injuries at our hospital between 2004 and 2009. We registered 10 blast injuries, 10 work accidents, six motor vehicle accidents, and five gunshot injuries. The severity, anatomy, topography, and type assessment method was used to evaluate the prognosis on viability and functionality. Additionally, we studied the influence of the etiological factor on injury prognosis. The functional results have been assessed by the manual muscle testing grading system, whereas the results of the limb usefulness have been evaluated by Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score test (patients' self-questionnaire).

Results

Seventeen cases involved major vascular lesions that required emergency reconstruction or amputation. Our findings indicate that cases with blast injuries managed by partial or total amputations or using flaps to close stumps had poor prognoses. For cases with work-related injuries, we performed revascularization or flaps where the likelihood of saving the limbs was deemed higher than the potential risks of postoperative complications. In cases with gunshot injuries, despite the low overall functioning seen, our primary approach was to repair rather than amputating because of the potential feasibility of achieving viability.

Conclusions

Further investigation is needed to determine if the cause of trauma has an important impact on trauma evaluation scores and predicting trauma outcomes, furthermore, helping decision making in emergencies.

Type of study/level of evidence

Prognosis IIa.

Artificial dermis combined with negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma to treat traumatic wounds: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects with exposure of bones and tendons represents an increasing challenge in wound care, especially in large extremity wounds. The aim of this study was to detect the clinical efficacy of combined use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), artificial dermis (ADM), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) in the reconstruction of large traumatic extremity skin defects.

METHOD

In this study, eight cases were treated with combined therapies for repairing complex extremity wounds and the results were reviewed retrospectively. After surgical debridement, all wounds received ADM, PRP and delayed STSG, which were all aided with NPWT.

RESULTS

The patients consisted of five males and three females, with a mean age of 44 years. A total of six lower extremity wounds were located at the foot/ankle, with exposed tendon in five, bone exposure in three and both in two. Of the group, two patients had exposed tendon on arm/hand wounds. The size of wounds and ADM averaged 126cm2 and 42.3cm2, respectively. ADM was used to cover the exposed bone or tendon, the granulation and muscular tissue were covered with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) directly, for NPWT. The survival rate of ADM averaged 98.9%. The average time for survival of ADM was 12.8 days and the mean uptake of autologous skin graft was 93.5%. Only one patient received repeated skin grafts. All patients achieved successful healing and reported no complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 36.1 days.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that ADM in conjunction with NPWT, PRP and STSG could be used for repairing large traumatic extremity wounds. Wound closure was achieved without flaps, the aesthetic and functional outcomes were acceptable, and only one patient developed a 35% loss of skin graft.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

This work was supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (grant no. 2020CFB464) and Youth Foundation of Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (grant no. WX20Q15). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

From Time to Timer in Wound Healing Through the Regeneration

Hard-to-heal wounds are an important public health issue worldwide, with a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. It is estimated that approximately 1-2% of the global population suffers from difficult wounds, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as trauma, infections, chronic diseases like diabetes or obesity, or poor health conditions. Hard-to-heal wounds are often characterized by a slow and complicated healing process, which can lead to serious complications such as infections, pressure ulcers, scar tissue formation, and even amputations. These complications can have a significant impact on the mobility, autonomy, and quality of life of patients, leading to an increase in healthcare and social costs associated with wound care. The preparation of the wound bed is a key concept in the management of hard-to-heal wounds, with the aim of promoting an optimal environment for healing. The TIME (Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Edge) model is a systematic approach used to assess and manage wounds in a targeted and personalized way. The concept of TIMER, expanding the TIME model, further focuses on regenerative processes, paying particular attention to promoting tissue regeneration and wound healing in a more effective and comprehensive way. The new element introduced in the TIMER model is "Regeneration", which highlights the importance of activating and supporting tissue regeneration processes to promote complete and lasting wound healing. Regenerative therapies can include a wide range of approaches, including cellular therapies, growth factors, bioactive biomaterials, stem cell therapies, and growth factor therapies. These therapies aim to promote the formation of new healthy tissues, reduce inflammation, improve vascularization, and stimulate cellular proliferation to accelerate wound closure and prevent complications. Thanks to continuous progress in research and development of regenerative therapies, more and more patients suffering from difficult wounds can benefit from innovative and promising solutions to promote faster and more effective healing, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

New insights in lower limb reconstruction strategies

High Energy Musculoskeletal Traumas (HEMTs) represent a relevant problem for healthcare systems, considering the high social costs, and both the high morbidity and mortality. The poor outcomes associated with HEMT are related to the high incidence of complications, including bone infection, fracture malunion and non-union. The treatment of each of these complications could be extremely difficult. Limb reconstruction often needs multiple procedures, rising some questions on the opportunity in perseverate to try to save the affected limb. In fact, theoretically, amputation may guarantee better function and lower complications. However, amputation is not free of complication, and a high long-term social cost has been reported. A comprehensive literature review was performed to suggest possible ways to optimize the limb preservation surgeries of HEMT's complications in order to ameliorate their management.

Contribution of Topical Agents such as Hyaluronic Acid and Silver Sulfadiazine to Wound Healing and Management of Bacterial Biofilm

Background and Objectives: Wound healing is commonly associated with critical bacterial colonization or bacterial infection, which induces prolonged inflammation, resulting in delayed re-epithelialization. An appropriate wound dressing requires a humid environment, which also functions as a barrier against bacterial contamination and will accelerate a regenerative response of the wound. Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is used to prevent wound infection. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an extracellular matrix component involved in tissue regeneration. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of cream and gauze pads based on hyaluronic acid at low molecular weight (200 kDa) and silver sulfadiazine 1% in the wound healing process. In addition, we examined SSD action on biofilms in vitro and on animal wounds, obtaining positive outcomes therefrom. Materials and Methods: We selected 80 patients with complicated chronic wounds of different etiologies, including diabetes mellitus (10), post-traumatic ulcers (45), burns (15), and superficial abrasion (10). Results: After 8 weeks, ulcer size was decreased in 95 ± 2% of the treated patients; a significant reduction in the inflammatory process was observed from day 14 onwards (p < 0.01 vs. baseline), considering improvement of the surrounding skin and reduction of the bacterial load. The SSD treatment decreased bacterial colony proliferation, both in planktonic state and in biofilm, in a dose-dependent manner on the wound but inhibited the development of tissue granulation at the highest dose (800 μg/wound). Conclusions: In conclusion, the combined action of SSD and HA is clinically effective in improving wound healing.

Hyaluronic Acid/Collagenase Ointment in the Treatment of Chronic Hard-to-Heal Wounds: An Observational and Retrospective Study

Background: Wound bed preparation is an important concept in clinical practice and is related to adequate debridement. The use of proteolytic enzymes is an established method of enzymatic wound debridement, especially in hard-to-heal ulcers that are unresponsive to normal healing procedures and progress. The TIME framework (tissue, inflammation/infection, moisture balance, and edge of wound) offers an appropriate strategy to eliminate resistance to healing, as well as maximizing the healing process. Maintenance debridement, as opposed to sporadic debridement, may be proposed in preserving an adequate wound bed towards complete recovery. Collagenase has been effective in debridement due to its ability to degrade collagen and elastin. In this clinical context, collagenase taken from Vibrio alginolitycus is the most favorably expressed enzymatic debriding agent. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluates the efficacy of an ointment based on hyaluronic acid and collagenase (Bionect Start^®), considering a reduced healing time and greater healing quality. We included 70 patients with chronic wounds of different etiologies, including diabetes mellitus (20), post-traumatic ulcers (35), chronic burns of degrees I and II (10), and pressure ulcers (5). We analyzed wound characteristics using the wound bed score (WBS) concept, healing time, as well as operator and patient satisfaction. Results: Frequency of debridement efficacy in terms of wound bed cleansing varied from 26% after 2 weeks to 93% after 4 weeks. We observed complete healing in 62 patients within an eight-week period. The overall operator and patient satisfaction after 8 weeks were 100% and 90%, respectively. Moreover, all patients reported less pain. Conclusions: A combined action of hyaluronic acid and collagenase ointment demonstrated a reduction in healing time while improving healing quality, with a decrease in pain.

Analysis of Rinsing Fluid during Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation: A Potential Monitoring Tool in Acute and Chronic Wound Treatment. A Pilot Study

Background: During negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), open wounds are draped with a nontransparent sponge, making daily wound evaluation impossible. Sometimes, late or undetected bacterial infections and postoperative bleeding result in repetitive surgery, thus prolonging inpatient time. With the introduction of additional fluid instillation (NPWTi), the wound surface is rinsed, and bacteria, proteins and biomarkers are flushed into a collecting canister, which is later discarded. Methods: The aim of this pilot study was to analyze rinsing fluid samples (0.9% sodium chloride) from the NPWTi device in patients with acute and chronic wounds. In 31 consecutive patients a standardized laboratory analysis was performed to evaluate cellular composition and potassium, phosphate, lactate dehydrooxygenase, pH and total protein levels. Results: While there was an increase in the total cellular amount and the number of polymorphonuclear cells, the number of red blood cells (RBC) decreased after surgery. Potassium and pH showed no significant changes in the first three postoperative days, whereas total protein showed an undulant and partially significant course. Conclusion: We were able to quantify cellular metabolites by analyzing the rinsing fluid of NPWTi. We propose the analysis of this material as a novel and potentially promising tool to monitor wound status without removal of the dressing. The establishment of reference values might help to improve the NPWTi therapy.

Efficacy of the Arteriovenous Loop for Free Flap Reconstruction in Patients with Complex Limb Trauma: Case Series and Literature Review

Background and objectives: Complex limb traumas are commonly treated with microsurgical reconstruction and free flaps. However, complications are frequent in patients affected by a previous trauma or comorbidity, atheromasia and a single valid vessel. Free flap reconstruction is indeed a challenging procedure in complex injuries, which may increase the risk of limb ischemia. The Arteriovenous loop (AVL) technique may be considered an efficient alternative treatment. We herein report our procedure and previous research regarding the AVL method using a two-step reconstruction in cases of complex high-energy limb injuries. Materials and Methods: In this single center retrospective cohort study, all the patients from 2014 to 2018 who underwent to AVL reconstruction were assessed. A total of six patients were included in the study for traumatic limb trauma. The two-stage technique was performed each time. The age and sex of patient, the time between stage one and two, the length of AVL loop and rate of free flap success were evaluated. Results: A total of seven AVL reconstructions were performed. The mean age of patients was 36 years old. Eight free flaps were performed; six free flaps were transferred to the vascular loops. The average time between stage one and two was 13 days. The mean length of the pedicle was 25 cm for the upper limb and 33.7 cm for the lower limb. All the free flaps successfully take root. In one case, a surgical revision was required the second day post-operatory due to venous congestion. Conclusions: AVL is a useful and safe technique in microsurgical reconstruction which will prevent vascular complications. Our investigations suggest the efficacy and feasibility of a two-step intervention in acute post-traumatic events. A single-step procedure should be preferred in chronic situation and oncologic reconstruction.