Case Study: Non-healing leg trauma wound

Author: Windy Cole, DPM

HISTORY
This 85-year-old female presented with a traumatic injury to her right lower leg. This is a common wound seen in this patient population due to decreased elasticity and turgor found in aging skin. This patient has a significant past medical history including insulin dependent diabetes, chronic kidney disease, anaemia, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint disease, Charcot, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia osteoporosis, hypothyroidism which would impact on her ability to heal in a timely fashion.

PREVIOUS MANAGEMENT
Previous wound therapies had included: Santyl, alginate and multilayer compression therapy. On assessment the wound measured 4.0 cm x 1.5 cm x 0.1 cm, the patient also had a “normal” range ABI of 1.21 which indicated that peripheral arterial disease was not a factor in her failure to heal. Due to her limited wound progression over that last 8 weeks and her medical history the decision was made in conjunction with the patient to commence NATROX® O₂ Continuous Topical Oxygen Therapy.

NATROX® O₂ CONTINUOUS TOPICAL OXYGEN THERAPY
Planned management included weekly clinic visits for full wound review and to track progression. Dressing regime comprised of NATROX® O₂ Continuous Topical Oxygen Therapy covered with an adhesive foam dressing to manage the anticipated increase in wound exudate. Following 3 weeks of NATROX® O₂ therapy the wound had reduced significantly in size approx. 70%. Due to the improvement in the wound and the ease of device management by the patient, it was decided to continue with the wound management plan. Following a further 2 weeks of therapy the wound was completely healed.

CONCLUSION
NATROX® O₂ Continuous Topical Oxygen Therapy worked extremely well for this patient. The wound responded favorably and resulted in very fast wound healing; however, there was no compromise in the quality of healing. The patient was delighted with the speed of healing and the ease of managing the device and was thrilled to return to her normal wound free life.