[Growth factors for preventing amputation in delayed wound healing]

Growth factors are mediators with essential importance for undisturbed repair process after wounding. The coordinated concert of these substances is necessary for healing with complete restoration of function and morphology. These complex mechanisms are disturbed during secondary and delayed repair. Local and systemic application of these growth factors seems to add important instruments for therapeutic use in the treatment of chronic wounds. Knowledge from experimental research is encouraging, although the exact mechanisms of synergistic action are not completely understood. However, the results from clinical use in controlled studies do not meet these expectations by far. Leading results from experimental and clinical studies are summarized in detail. Further intensive research however is required for the rational use of growth factors in the clinical setting.