Dr Devlin Elliott¹

¹Greenslopes Plastics Department, Greenslopes, Brisbane, Australia

Abstract:

Introduction:Full thickness burns on the hand require debridement and skin grafting. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can be used to help with graft stability and take with a variety of non-adhesive interface dressings being used. Prior interface dressings in our unit displayed signs of maceration and graft instability. Acticoat Flex 3 contours to maintain contact with the wound surface, has broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and allows exudate transport through the dressing.

Case:A 22 year-old male had a full thickness friction type burn to the dorsum of his dominant hand when it was caught in the conveyor belt at work. The ring and little finger were involved as well as the fourth web space. A split skin graft was taken from the thigh, inset and then Acticoat Flex 3 was used under a VACC negative pressure dressing.

Results:Day three post procedure, the patient had excellent graft take, nil signs of infection and minimal exudate. The graft was very secure and stable with no signs of shearing damage or graft loss. A thermoplastic splint was used and the patient healed well and is currently working with the hand therapists. Our unit has noticed increased graft take and less macerated graft beds since using Acticoat flex 3 under NPWT.

Conclusions: Acticoat Flex 3 is an effective interface dressing when using NPWT and helps to increase graft take, stability and reduce infection in burn patients.

Biography:

Otago University Graduate
PGY4
Current Plastics PHO Greenslopes Hospital