Wound Care

Types of wounds we treat

Our doctors provide advanced wound care for a wide variety of wounds, injuries, and conditions. We commonly treat the following:

• Burns (1st and 2nd degree): To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the extent of damage to body tissues. The three burn classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care.
• Compromised skin grafts and flaps: Compromised skin grafts and skin flaps stand for a problem involving inadequate oxygen supply to tissue. Skin grafts typically survive as oxygen disperses into them from the original wound bed. Skin grafts can partially or fully have fail when there is not enough oxygen supplied. Factors such as age, nutritional status, smoking, and previous radiation result in an erratic pattern of blood flow to the skin.
• Diabetic foot ulcers: Neuropathy can contribute to the formation of a diabetic foot ulcer. If left untreated, diabetic foot ulcers can progress to severe infection or gangrene that might require amputation. In fact, diabetic ulcers are one of the most common causes of foot amputation, which is why it’s important for patients with diabetes to be fully aware of foot-related problems and the potential for long-term disability. The good news is that through good foot care, and by regulating blood glucose levels, diabetics can decrease the chance of developing diabetic foot ulcers.
• Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone. Infections can reach a bone by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissue. Osteomyelitis can also begin in the bone itself if an injury exposes the bone to germs. Once considered an incurable condition, osteomyelitis can be successfully treated today. Most people require surgery to remove parts of the bone that have died — followed by strong antibiotics, often delivered intravenously, typically for at least six weeks. 
• Osteoradionecrosis: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a problem with bone healing that can occur in people who received high doses of radiation, particularly to the jaw. This complication can occur after dental surgery or extraction of teeth. High doses of radiation can decrease the bone’s blood supply. If this happens, the bone gets less oxygen than it needs, resulting in the death (necrosis) of bone tissue. The most commonly affected bone is the jawbone (mandible). 
• Pressure ulcer: A pressure ulcer, also known as a bedsore or decubitus ulcer, is a wound of the skin caused by prolonged, unrelieved pressure to that area. Pressure ulcers occur most frequently around bony prominences such as the tailbone, hips, heels, ankles and elbows.
• Surgical wounds: You will have a surgical wound after any type of operation that involves making a cut into your skin, including minor procedures carried out by GPs and other doctors, as well as those done by surgeons. The position and size of the cut your surgeon makes will depend on the type of operation and surgery you have. For example, if you have laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon will make small cuts to your skin, which will be closed with stitches, clips or skin glue to bring the skin edges together to heal.
• Traumatic wounds: Traumatic wounds are typically defined as cuts, lacerations or puncture wounds which have caused damage to both the skin and underlying tissues. Acute wounds, cut wounds and penetrating wounds are the three categories that make up traumatic wounds.
• Venous stasis: A venous stasis ulcer, also known as a venous insufficiency ulcer, means that there is an impairment or lack of venous blood flow to an area of the skin. These ulcers occur in the lower legs, between the knee and the ankle. The most common place for them to develop is around the ankle. These wounds are typically shallow and irregular in shape.
• Wounds from vascular diseases: Ulcers of the lower extremities, particularly in individuals older than 65 years, are a common cause for visits to the podiatrist, wound care specialist, primary care physician, vascular surgeon, or dermatologist. The majority of vascular ulcers are chronic or recurrent.

Should you require care for another type of wound not listed above, our doctors will ensure you receive the exceptional treatment you need to heal.

Our wound treatments and services

Our wound doctors understand that every patient’s needs are different. When you visit our wound clinic, we will conduct a thorough diagnostic exam to identify the type of wound you have and its underlying causes. We will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respirations, as well as your blood glucose levels and oxygen saturation levels if needed.

Our skilled physicians provide the following treatments and services to help heal wounds:

• Bio-engineered tissue substitutes
• Debridement (removal of dead or damaged tissue)
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Negative pressure vacuum therapy
• Off-loading boots, casts, and devices
• Specialized dressings and multi-layer wraps

Should you need continued care, our staff will help you set up regular appointments and give you all the information you need to take care of your wound at home between visits.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

At Portneuf Medical Center, we provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a key component of our wound care services. HBOT is a natural and effective treatment in which you breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This type of treatment delivers high concentrations of oxygen to your bloodstream, which increases your body’s own natural wound-healing abilities. This can effectively treat various types of infections, and promotes the growth of new blood vessels.

You will receive therapy in your own personal and private chamber, which has clear sides so you can see your surroundings. Each HBOT chamber is equipped with its own TV with cable or videos available so you can be entertained during your treatment. Some patients even choose to nap during HBOT.

Helpful links

Please review the following links and information about wounds as needed:

• American Board of Wound Management
• Forms and Appointment Information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Healogics
• National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology
• Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
• Wound Care Billing