Vacuum-Assisted Closure for the Treatment of Degloving Injuries

Abstract

Degloving injuries of the hand and foot pose difficult reconstructive and rehabilitation challenges. After an excellent experience with split-thickness skin grafting with the vacuum-assisted closure device, we began studies with full-thickness skin grafts and traumatized skin. The device has been used with successful reapplication of full-thickness degloved skin in two patients. The first patient suffered degloving of the foot; the second patient, degloving of the hand.