Closed Degloving Injuries Results Following Conservative Surgery

Abstract

Closed degloving wounds are uncommon but important injuries. If they are not treated properly, they may cause a significant morbidity. The theraputic protocol reports the results of a conservative management policy in 24 patients with closed degloving wounds treated during a half year period in our hospital. Traffic accidents are the main cause of the injuries, 60% of which injuried to lower limb. The extent of injury ranged from 1 to 12% (mean 4.9%) of the total body surface area. The volume of blood and necrotic fat evacuated ranged from 20 to 1000 ml (mean 120 ml). The diagnosis of closed degloving wound was missed at initial assessment in the half of patients. A uniform management policy with drainage of the de-gloved area through a small incision followed by compression bandaging was applied. Ultimate flap viability using this method was excellent, and only two of 24 patients required skin grafting.