Abstract: Objective: The objective of the study was to quantify the compression produced by a pressure dressing. Study design: Using a Stryker Intra-Compartmental Pressure Monitor System, baseline subcutaneous tissue pressures were measured immediately after wound closure, after application of a simple gauze dressing, and after application of a pressure dressing in 5 post-cesarean section patients. A t test was used to compare the measurements. Results: Mean baseline pressure in the subcutaneous tissue was 1.4 mmHg. Application of a pressure dressing resulted in an average pressure increase in the subcutaneous tissue of 4.8 mmHg (P < 0.005) as compared with a gauze dressing alone. Conclusions: Application of a pressure dressing significantly increases the pressure in the subcutaneous tissue of a cesarean section incision. The rise is small and probably less than the venous capillary pressure in the subcutaneous tissues. The clinical significance and duration of this pressure increase h

Abstract: Research on excessive scars has been hampered by the lack of relevant animal models. Recent studies suggest that transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) are stimulators of scarring. The authors developed a rabbit ear excessive scarring model using the growth factor stimulators TGF-b1, PDGF-BB, and FGF-2. Three 8-mm wounds were created on each ear of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (n = 6 wounds). The growth factors were injected intradermally into the wound margins immediately post-wounding. Controls consisted of phosphate buffered saline (PBS), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and wounding only. Scar thickness was initially measured at Day 14 or 17 and continued twice weekly thereafter until sacrifice at Day 28 or 29. Results showed that the greatest measurement of elevated scars was observed at Day 14 or 17. Significant differences of elevated scar thickness were observed in wounds treated wi

Abstract: Marjolin’s ulcer is an epidermoid carcinoma arising in chronic ulcers. This condition is most commonly seen post burn scar formation as originally described by Jean Nicholas Marjolin in the 19th century. However, it can originate from other chronic wounds of long duration. The authors present 2 cases in which the cause of the scar was burn injury. In 1 case, multiple biopsies were the key for final diagnosis. In the second case, because of the location of the lesion, the use of the sentinel node biopsy technique was appropriate. The authors encourage liberal use of biopsies in long standing chronic ulcers and repeated biopsies if necessary.

Abstract: Topical application of a combination of nitrofurazone and rifamycin in contaminated wounds is widely used in Turkey with considerable success. Although nitrofurazone is generally abandoned in European countries and the United States, rifamycin is used for topical wound care in many European countries. However, the experimental data is lacking. In this study, full-thickness circular dorsal wounds were created in rats. Three experimental and 2 control groups were constructed. After creation of the defects, the wounds were treated with topical nitrofurazone in the first experimental group, topical rifamycin in the second experimental group, and a combination of topical nitrofurazone and rifamycin in the third experimental group. In the first control group, the wounds were treated with a combination of bacitracin and neomycin, and in the second control group, the wounds were treated with daily cleansing using 0.9% NaCl. The progression of wound healing was measured and documented