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A novel hand-shaped suprathel simplifies the treatment of partial-thickness burns
Jennifer L Schiefer1, Afshin Rahmanian-Schwarz, Hans-Eberhard Schaller
1Jennifer L. Schiefer, MD, is a Resident, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, BG-Trauma Center, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany. Afshin Rahmanian-Schwarz, MD, is the Director, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Aesthetic Surgery, HELIOS Clinic Wuppertal, Germany. Hans-Eberhard Schaller, MD, is the Director, and Theodora Manoli, MD, is a Consultant, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, BG-Trauma Center, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany.
Objective:
The standard therapy to treat superficial partial-thickness burns of the hand involves the application of skin substitutes such as Suprathel (PolyMedics Innovations GmbH, Denkendorf, Germany), which reduce pain significantly, thus allowing a fast mobilization and leading to a quicker restoration of function. The aim of this study was to simplify the application of Suprathel by using new precut hand-shaped bandages.
Methods:
Suprathel sheets have been produced in precut hand shapes that can be applied on the palm or on the dorsum of the hand. During a 6-month study period, 24 patients were treated with Suprathel after a burn injury of the hand. Half the patients received standard Suprathel sheets, and half received the novel hand-shaped Suprathel. Application time and material waste were documented closely.
Results:
By using the Hand-Suprathel, application time was significantly reduced up to 80% compared with the standard rectangular Suprathel sheets. When the standard Suprathel sheet was reduced to the size and shape of the hand, approximately 40% of the material was discharged. In contrast, almost no material waste occurred by using Hand-Suprathel.
Conclusion:
The use of the new Hand-Suprathel increases efficiency because of its convenient and faster application, as well as by reducing material waste.
