Debridement

caSe 3

 - trauMatic wOund

A 53 year-old female with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and bipolar disorder sustained 

a traumatic wound on the left anterior tibial region in a motor vehicle accident in May of 2008. 

Prior topical antimicrobial therapy (silver sulfadiazine) was ineffective for the promotion of wound 

healing.  Her medications included valproic acid, bupropion hydrochloride, a multivitamin, and 

zinc supplement. She presented to the wound care center on 9/24/2009 with a full thickness 

wound with 90% slough and 10% granular tissue with a moderate amount of serosanguinous 

exudates.  ALH calcium alginate was initiated, covered with compression bandaging and changed 

once per week.  Within one week slough was eradicated, exudates decreased; the patient 

reported the dressings were “comfortable”.  A skin graft was performed for final wound closure.