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Wound Management

Cavity wounds

Authors:Hasan Gökcer Tekin, MD, Christian Kaare Paaskesen, Med. Stud, Magnus Avnstorp, MD, Bjørn Thomas Crewe, MD and Consultant wound specialist

Definition: Wounds  extending to subdermal underlying layers and structures such as fascia, tendon, muscle or bone.

Description: All types of wound tissue may be present in cavity wounds. Additional features in cavity wounds are non-visible wound bed complications such as sinus formation, fistulas and undermining.  

Treatment aim:  Promote granulation tissue from base up and manage bacterial colonization. Debridement of non-vital tissue and deep infections such as osteomyelitis. Facilitate drainage and consider delayed reconstructive surgery to fill out dead space.

Wound dressing (dry wounds):  N/A

Wound dressing (wet wounds): Alginates (rope or ribbon). hydrofiber (rope), medical honey dressings, composite silver dressings, NPWT

Wound exampels:

Leg cavity ulcer

Posterior view of leg ulcer. Wound bed with granulation tissue and slough.

Ischial Tuberositas pressure ulcer

Posterior view of deep pressure ulcer at Ischial Tuberositas. Wound bed with fat necrosis and infection (wet necrosis).
Lateral view of post-surgicel wound dehiscence. Wound bed with green thick exudate indicating critical bacterial colonization.

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