title: The use of a silicon sheet for gradual wound closure after fasciotomy.
abstract: We present a silicon sheet for temporary wound covering and gradual wound closure after open fasciotomy. Fasciotomy was performed in a total of 70 limbs with compartment syndrome (CS). The main etiology of CS was predominantly vascular. All patients were treated with a silicon sheet to cover the soft tissue defect and gradually reapproximate the skin margins. In 53% of the patients, a delayed final wound closure was achieved after a mean of 11.9 days. This method allows final closure of fasciotomy wounds without scar contractures, marginal necrosis, infection, or significant pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic, Cardiac, and Vascular Surgery, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gruler
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ziemer
authors.forename: Dorothee H L
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Bail
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D012828:Silicones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones