Wound Care Q&A

Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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Which emerging treatments show promise in treating lower-extremity wounds? Our expert panelists detail their usage of various wound care modalities, including topical antimicrobials and negative pressure wound therapy. They also take a look at what the future may bring for wound healing. Q: What new modalities do you use in the treatment of lower extremity wounds? A: When foot ulcers are... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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   In a follow-up column to the previous discussion of lower extremity traumatic wounds (see “Essential Insights On Managing Traumatic Wounds,” page 32, September issue), the panelists discuss key principles in treating open fracture wounds in the forefoot and toes. They also share their thoughts on the use of plastic surgery techniques and advanced wound closure modalities.... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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     Treating puncture wounds in the lower extremity can be challenging, especially given the potential for retained foreign bodies. In the first part of a discussion, our expert panelists discuss appropriate workup and diagnostic studies for such wounds, offer their perspectives on imaging modalities, and impart a few helpful surgical pearls.      Q: What are your... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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Bioengineered alternative tissues, or skin substitutes, can lead to success in patients with wounds that have not responded well to other modalities. Accordingly, our expert panelists offer a closer look at where these products fit into the wound healing armamentarium and share pertinent pearls from their clinical experience with these products. Q: What skin substitutes do you utilize in treating... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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Given the increasing use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to spur wound healing, our expert panelists return for the second part of this Q&A discussion on NPWT (see “Inside Insights On Negative Pressure Wound Therapy,” page 24, May issue). They offer specific pearls on the use of NPWT, how to combine the modality with skin grafts and silver dressings, and tips for avoiding wound... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can have a positive effect on wound healing. These panelists detail what types of wounds can benefit from the technology, when to consider negative pressure and how various NPWT devices compare to one another. Q: What has been your general impression and experience with using negative pressure wound therapy for lower extremity wounds? A: All four panelists... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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     When it comes to patients with ischemic foot ulcers, potential complications can be dire. Accordingly, it is important to have a firm grasp on diagnostic studies as well as current and emerging treatment options that may enhance outcomes for patients.      With this in mind, our expert panelists discuss a range of issues related to the ischemic foot.  ... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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      Given the common incidence of puncture wounds, our roundtable experts continue their discussion (see page 32, November 2006 issue) by sharing key insights on appropriate antibiotic selection and how they prefer to close these wounds. Without further delay, here is what they had to say …       Q: What empiric antibiotics do you prescribe for puncture wounds?... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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When it comes to patients with diabetes and lower extremity ulcers and complications, what does the evidence-based medicine say about high-risk patients and proactive prevention? These panelists examine risk factors for ulcerations, appropriate screening and offer their thoughts on what works and what does not work in terms of prevention. Q: What does evidence-based medicine show in regard to... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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     Treating a wound on a Charcot foot can be a challenge. Our expert panelists discuss the diagnosis of acute Charcot, the management of Charcot and Charcot-related wounds, indications for exostectomy and keys to facilitating a return to weightbearing.      Q: How do you diagnose an acute Charcot foot? Do you use any ancillary testing?      A: Most... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Lawrence Karlock, DPM
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Important questions arise when traumatic wounds occur in the lower extremity. Accordingly, our expert panelists address key considerations in the initial evaluation and when one should consider an amputation. They also explore the use of soft tissue coverage, skin substitutes and topical dressings with traumatic wounds. Q: What protocol/triage steps do you utilize in the initial evaluation of a... Read More.
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There have been many technological advances in wound care over the past decade, ranging from research into the wound healing model to the role of growth factors and the use of living skin constructs in clinical practice. With this in mind, our expert panelists take a closer look at Apligraf and their experiences in using this product. Q: Do you use Apligraf much in your practice? If so, when do... Read More.