Although there is still no perfect answer for wound coverage and closure in the hand with exposed or damaged tendons, DRT certainly performs well as a primary choice by minimizing adhesions; allowing a good ROM; and providing a durable, satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Likewise, an initial treatment with DRT does not preclude later, more elaborate reconstructive efforts, such as local or free flaps, if they continue to be indicated. DRT also does not diminish the ability to revise a tendon reconstruction if a secondary procedure is necessary. In our patient, tendon revision has not been necessary. DRT gives the surgeon a minimally invasive, efficient initial alternative to more labor-intensive, potentially morbid reconstructive procedures, without sacrificing outcome. Therefore, DRT can offer an alternative procedure in the surgeon’s armamentarium for tendon coverage in complex hand defects.
Case Reports
Coverage of Hand Defects with Exposed Tendons: The Use of Dermal Regeneration Template
Publish date: May 11, 2018
Author and Disclosure Information
Authors’ Disclosure Statement: The authors report no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.
Acknowledgment: The authors thank Allison Zur for her help in preparing the manuscript.
Dr Melamed is an Assistant Professor, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, Langone Orthopedic Hospital. New York, New York. Dr. Melone is Director of the Division of Hand Surgery, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, and Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai. New York, New York.
Address correspondence to: Eitan Melamed, MD, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 301 E 17th street, New York, NY 10003 (email, Eitanme20000@yahoo.com).
Am J Orthop. 2018;47(5). Copyright Frontline Medical Communications Inc. 2018. All rights reserved.
Eitan Melamed, MD and Charles P. Melone, Jr, MD . Coverage of Hand Defects with Exposed Tendons: The Use of Dermal Regeneration Template . Am J Orthop.
May 11, 2018