June, 2005

Dear Readers,

While it is well known and accepted that appropriate compression is key to managing venous leg ulcers, the application of compression bandages requires a caregiver skilled in their use. In the Evidence Corner, Dr. Laura Bolton reviews 2 papers reporting clinical outcomes using tubular bandages, which require less experience and skill for application. The results reported in both studies showed that healing of venous ulcers was comparable in patients treated with moderate to high compression delivered by bandages, stockings, or tubular compression devices. Given t

G lenohumeral joint infection (GJI) is a rare but devastating and difficult-to-treat complication of rotator cuff repair (RCR).1,2 Traditional management includes serial drainage and debridement, including debridement of cartilage and bone, suction, and intravenous and local antibiotics.1,2 Joint damage due to original infection, superinfection of exposed structures (if infection is treated in an “open manner”), desiccation of cartilage and ligaments, and tissue loss due to invasive but necessary debridement obviate the need for aggressive diagnostic surveillance and

Coloplast Skin Health Division Announces New Contract with Novation

Coloplast Corp. Skin Health Division (Marietta, Ga) has signed a 3-year contract with Novation (Irving, Tex), the supply company of Voluntary Hospital Association Inc., and the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) for the Coloplast Skin Health Division’s line of advanced wound care products.
Novation, founded in 1998, is the largest national group purchasing organization in the United States and includes 2,400 hospital members representing 386,999 beds, 30% of national admissions, and 29% of surgeries performed in

F oot ulcers secondary to peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease are common complications of diabetes and account for high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, with global increases in prevalence of type 2 diabetes, there has been a concomitant increase in diabetic foot ulcers. According to estimates, at least 15% of patients with diabetes develop ulcers of the lower extremity during their lifetimes.1 If improperly or inadequately treated, these ulcers become infected or gangrenous and may ultimately lead to amputation of the affected limb. The annual rate of amputation va