Lower extremity ulcer management: best practice algorithm

Evaluation of the Postoperative Risk of Deep Tissue Injury to the Lower Extremities Following Surgery in the Lithotomy Position

Background The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of deep tissue injury (DTI) and potential risk factors after surgery in the lithotomy position. Methods All patients who underwent surgery in the lithotomy position under general anesthesia at a single center between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The medical records of these patients were reviewed, and patient demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical data, and occurrence of DTI were recorded. Results During the study period, 5146 patients, 2055 (39.9%) males and 3091 (60.1%) females, with a mean age of 57.3 ± 17.4 years, underwent surgery in the lithotomy position. Seven (0.14%) patients developed DTI on their calf following surgery. All presented with severe pain and swelling, requiring prolonged hospital stay. Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio (OR): 11.43; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-113.34, p = 0.037), higher BMI (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.17-1.50, p = 0.0001), and longer operation time (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.004-1.014, p = 0.0002) were independent risk factors for postoperative DTI. Optimal cut-off values for BMI and operation time were 23.5 kg/m2 (sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 64%) and 285 minutes (sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 90%), respectively. Conclusion Factors significantly associated with DTI include male sex, higher BMI, and prolonged operation time.

Confronting a New Challenge in Plastic Surgery: MDR Infections in Patients with Chronic Wounds

BACKGROUND

The presence of a wound can be anywhere from non-problematic to life-threatening on a severity spectrum, with bacterial infection and resistance playing a major role in the development of chronicity, delaying wound healing. Wound colonization with multiple organisms and the limited number of effective antibiotics place a heavy burden on the healthcare system, with patients going through multiple surgeries during a prolonged hospitalization time. By analyzing the resistance patterns of pluri-bacterial populations and the approach used in managing complex cases, we aim to improve the protocols applied in caring for chronic wounds in our practice and share our experiences and observations.

METHODS

We designed a retrospective study on 212 diabetic and non-diabetic patients, aiming to evaluate the course of chronic wound treatment in our practice. We focused on the impact that MDR bacteria and diabetes have on surgical outcomes and their role in the healing process.

RESULTS

Patients who received empiric antibiotic therapy before being admitted eventually presented with multiple MDR bacteria compared to those who did not receive antibiotics (p = 0.014). The presence of at least one MDR bacteria in the wound bed was associated with ulcers reaching bone (p = 0.02) and was positively correlated with the number of surgeries performed (p < 0.001). Diabetes played a significant role in surgery-related complications (p = 0.02) and hospitalization time (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Proper management of chronic wounds requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach and a thorough understanding of antibiotic usage. To address this need, we have developed and implemented a chronic wound treatment protocol in our clinic, with the goal of discharging patients once their ulcers have been treated and closed. A key summary of the protocol presented is to reduce the incidence of MDR bacteria and improve the patient's quality of life.

Off-loading and compression therapy strategies to treat diabetic foot ulcers complicated by lower limb oedema: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Lower limb oedema is a common co-morbidity in those with diabetes and foot ulceration and is linked with increased amputation risk. There is no current guidance for the treatment of concurrent diabetic foot ulcers and lower limb oedema, leading to uncertainty around the safety and efficacy of combination approaches incorporating offloading and compression therapies. To determine indications and contraindications for such strategies and identify any other supplementary treatment approaches, a scoping review was undertaken to map the evidence relating to off-loading and compression therapy strategies to treat both diabetic foot ulcers and lower limb oedema in combination.

METHODS

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA - Scoping Review (ScR) guidance, this review included published and unpublished literature from inception to April 2022. Literature was sourced using electronic databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, AMED; websites; professional journals and reference lists of included literature. Eligible literature discussed the management of both diabetic foot ulceration and lower limb oedema and included at least one of the treatment strategies of interest. Data extraction involved recording any suggested off-loading, compression therapy or supplementary treatment strategies and any suggested indications, contraindications and cautions for their use.

RESULTS

Five hundred twenty-two publications were found relating to the management of diabetic foot ulcers with an off-loading strategy or the management of lower limb oedema with compression therapy. 51 publications were eligible for inclusion in the review. The majority of the excluded publications did not discuss the situation where diabetic foot ulceration and lower limb oedema present concurrently.

CONCLUSIONS

Most literature, focused on oedema management with compression therapy to conclude that compression therapy should be avoided in the presence of severe peripheral arterial disease. Less literature was found regarding off-loading strategies, but it was recommended that knee-high devices should be used with caution when off-loading diabetic foot ulcers in those with lower limb oedema. Treatment options to manage both conditions concurrently was identified as a research gap. Integrated working between specialist healthcare teams, was the supplementary strategy most frequently recommended. In the absence of a definitive treatment solution, clinicians are encouraged to use clinical reasoning along with support from specialist peers to establish the best, individualised treatment approach for their patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework (osf.io/crb78).

Management of diabetic foot: Brief synopsis for busy orthopedist

According to available medical reports, over 10% of diabetic patients will develop foot ulcers during their lifetimes. This condition still remains great challenges to many clinicians. Various mechanisms may explain treatment-resistant entity. Treatment varies widely, relying on the severity of the ulceration as well as the presence of infection or ischemia. However, the most important things to keep in mind should consist of the following: 1) appropriate debridement; 2) off-loading of pressure; 3) effective control of infection; 4) local wound care strategy; 5) timely reconstructive surgery. The ideal flap for diabetic foot reconstruction should provide a well-vascularized tissue to control infection, adequate contour for footwear, durability, and solid anchorage to resist shearing forces. A thorough assessment of patient's general condition and voluntary motivation of the patient should be warranted to prevent any sort of postoperative recurrence.

A systematic integrated literature review of systematic integrated literature reviews in nursing

As faculty members, we frequently find that first-year doctoral students in nursing are confused about how to conduct a systematic integrated literature review. This could be due to its vague definition and a lack of recent literature that provides directions for conducting a systematic integrated literature review. This article aims to provide directions for conducting a systematic integrated literature review by identifying the essential components of published literature reviews in nursing. To achieve this goal, the literature was searched by using the keywords nursing, systematic, and review in multiple databases. A total of 267 articles were selected and are included in this systematic integrated literature review. The articles were then sorted by study design and analyzed in six areas of interests. Finally, a practical guideline for conducting systematic integrated literature reviews is proposed based on the analysis of the literature.