Debridement

caSe 5

 - trauMatic wOund

A 77 year-old female with hypertension and COPD sustained an injury to her right lateral leg on 

12/15/2009.  The patient was taking the following medications: fluticasonepropionate/salmetrol 

inhalation powder, multivitamin, tiotropium bromide, albuterol sulfate, furosemide, diltiazem 

hydrochloride, prednisone, and travoprost ophthalmic solution.  She presented to the wound 

center on 1/21/10 with a 5 week-old full-thickness wound surrounded by erythema and edema. 

The wound measured 6.0 cm long x 2.5 cm wide x 0.3 cm deep with minimal exudates.  The 

base of the wound was completely covered with slough (50%) and eschar (50%). Previous 

treatments with topical antimicrobial therapy, including silver sulfadiazine x 1 week and silver 

wound gel x 1 week, were ineffective for the promotion of wound healing.  ALH calcium alginate 

dressings were initiated on 1/27/2010, covered with an absorbent conforming gauze and  

secured with an adherent cohesive bandage once weekly. Within two weeks slough, eschar, and 

erythema were decreased.