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Graftskin heals an ulcer on an amputation stump
1Department of Dermatology, Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
A 51-year-old man presented with a chronic ulcer of 28 years' duration on the amputation stump of his right foot. The prosthesis was aggravating the ulcer, despite multiple therapies.
Objective:
To heal the ulcer and avoid a below-the-knee amputation. Graftskin, a bilayered living skin construct, was applied.
Methods:
Graftskin was sutured in place following gentle debridement. Pentoxifylline was given to improve circulation. The dressing was changed 5 days after Graftskin application, then weekly for 7 weeks.
Results:
Crusting was evident at 3 weeks, with an underlying white coating at 4 weeks. By 7 weeks, full reepithelialization was present under the crust and no ulceration remained. Over succeeding weeks the ulcer bed became flush with the surrounding skin. The patient's pain ceased, and some sensation and warmth returned to the stump.
Conclusion:
Graftskin treatment successfully healed a chronic ulcer, possibly preventing a more extensive amputation.