Apr 22, 2010
Greek mythology tells us that filings from the rusty spear of Achilles were used successfully on a non-healing wound. To this legacy of using metal derivatives to heal wounds, a newer, more modern mythology has been added. This is the use of silver in wound-care...
Apr 14, 2010
I recently was called to consult on a man whose sternal wound was being treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). He had undergone a coronary artery bypass operation and his chest wound had opened up. His doctor prescribed NPWT but after the third day the...
Mar 30, 2010
Myiasis is the medical term for infestation with the larvae of a fly, also known as maggots. The image of maggots in modern society is the exact opposite of health and cleanliness. Indeed, unintended myiasis in a healthcare facility is a frequent precursor of a...
Mar 13, 2010
A new wound guide written specifically for clinicians has just been released. The complete title is “Pocket Guide to Pressure Ulcers: How to Classify, Stage, and Document Pressure Ulcers and Other Common Wounds.” Written by me and Elizabeth Ayello RN,...
Mar 1, 2010
When ulcers of the lower extremity develop, it is important to find out why. Many ulcers develop over boney prominences which are subjected to pressure, and are therefore labeled as pressure ulcers. However, one common etiology of lower extremity wounds is frequently...
Jan 15, 2010
Most educational materials on pressure ulcer prevention tell you that the most common areas for pressure ulcers are under boney prominences such as the sacrum, ischium, and heels. However, an area that is frequently under-emphasized in pressure ulcer prevention...
