Abstract: Glenohumeral joint infection (GJI) is a difficult-to-treat complication following rotator cuff repair (RCR). The authors present a case series illustrating the management of GJI with debridement, drainage, and simultaneous joint sealing with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT, V.A.C.® Therapy™ System, KCI, San Antonio, Tex) followed by muscle flap coverage. Six patients with acute Staphylococcus aureus infection and spontaneous purulent drainage following arthroscopic RCR for post-traumatic problems were treated. Patients underwent serial pulse-lavage debridements through a deltoid-sparing incision followed by NPWT. Closed-system drainage obviated the need for dressing the wound with exposed joint. Gram stain and culture were negative upon second exploration. Within 2 weeks, the joint was covered with a muscle flap. Use of NPWT allowed relatively quick resolution of infection without secondary joint damage due to superinfection or desiccation. Reconstruction of the soft ti

Abstract: Since geographic differences in risk factors and clinical presentation of complications of diabetes are known, a study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a topical gel (Healace 0.01%, Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, India) containing 0.01% recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF) for healing of chronic lower-extremity diabetic ulcers. In this prospective, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, randomized study conducted in 8 sites, 58 patients received placebo gel, and 53 patients with similar demographic characteristics received applications of rhPDGF-based gel. The percentage of patients achieving complete wound closure was considered as the primary efficacy criterion. Additional secondary criteria included the time taken to achieve complete wound closure and the percentage of ulcer surface area reduction at each visit. Efficacy evaluations carried out at 10 and 20 weeks showed that a significantly higher (p<0

Abstract: The use of a dermal substitute (Integra®, Integra Lifesciences Corp., Plainsboro, NJ) is a viable and highly effective option in the treatment of full-thickness burns to the penis. The cosmetic and functional results are very encouraging in this single case report. The patient recovered from a full-thickness thermal injury to the dorsum of the penis to achieve erections suitable for sexual intercourse and had an excellent cosmetic result. This approach should be considered when one encounters this rare, unusual, and potentially devastating injury.