Healthcare professionals are generally well aware of the terms pressure, shear and friction in relation to pressure ulcers. They may be less familiar with use of microclimate when discussing pressure ulcer aetiology. Whilst most will have a basic understanding of some or all of these terms, there is a tendency for eyes to glaze over when terms like perpendicular force or tangential force are used. A major strength of the consensus document is that it explains the science behind pressure, shear, friction and microclimate and then applies it to practical issues.�

Until recently our understanding of pressure ulcer aetiology had made little significant progress since the classic studies of the early 1960?s. These landmark experiments attempted to define the relationship between tissue damage, the magnitude of external pressures and the duration of their application.

The concepts involved in understanding pressure, shear, friction and microclimate, and their roles in the development of pressure ulcers are widely acknowledged to be challenging. However, comprehension of these concepts should assist clinicians in consistent and effective implementation of pressure ulcer prevention protocols.�

Economic constraints on healthcare spending require clinicians to deliver high-quality services with more effective targeting of resources and better outcomes for patients. Ensuring that patients benefit from excellence in healthcare is an absolute for a medical professional. The challenge that must now be overcome is that of the differing viewpoints of the healthcare system for the payers, providers and the patients. How do clinicians ensure that there is a common language so that patients are not deprived of new technologies that maybe perceived as high cost? Confounding the issue further is the fact that published evidence may not be easily transferable into the local care setting.

Infected wounds are a well known problem in the world of wound healing. Severe debridement and systemic use of antibiotics belongs to the standard treatment.

Instillation technology in infected wounds

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On March 18 and 19, the first International Surgical Wound Forum (ISWF) took place in Amsterdam. The ISWF is a scientific platform designed to share and debate state-of-the-art information and opinions on the management of surgical wounds. More than 170 surgeons from diverse surgical backgrounds exchanged knowledge on the management of complex surgical wounds, all in the aim of improving the future of wound care.

Chaired by Dr. James Patrick Stannard, Professor of Surgery and Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Missouri, and sponsored by leading global medical technology company, Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI), the goal of the ISWF is to bring together leading international surgeons to discuss:

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ISWF was granted 8 CME credits (ECMEC) by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME).

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Background

Results from a retrospective review of 97 consecutive Gustillo III fractures treated in circular fixators, demonstrate how the use of distraction histiogenesis can allow radical bony and soft tissue excision back to healthy tissue, maintaining a low deep infection rate and high union rate whilst minimising the requirement for free tissue transfer.