Presentation Description
Institution: Cairns Hospital - QLD, Australia
Hands present a particular challenge when it comes to soft tissue reconstruction due to the highly functional nature of the area and the intricate structural features that define the anatomy. Novosorb BTM, a synthetic dermal substitute, is increasingly being utilised as a solution for many of the problems that face hand reconstruction. This presentation summarises a cohort of 10 patients who underwent hand reconstruction via BTM at a Far North Queensland hospital between 2020-2024. The most common indication for reconstruction was following oncological resection. The majority of patients went on to have second stage reconstruction with a split thickness skin graft. Of particular interest is that despite multiple patients experiencing either BTM infection or graft infection, all patients achieved wound closure, with 4 out of 5 working patients being able to return to their usual work duties afterward. Aside from infection, no other complications were recorded. A drawback would be the longitudinal course of this reconstructive process, with patients taking on average 6.5 weeks to proceed to grafting and 10.6 weeks from BTM application until healed. Comparison of QuickDASH measures with patient characteristics suggested that poorer functional outcomes were obtained in comorbid patients or those that engaged poorly with hand therapy. This study provides a point of comparison against other recent literature examining BTM indications and outcomes for hand reconstruction outside of Australia, as well as highlighting the emerging role for BTM in a resource-limited regional location.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Tanisha Hayward - , Dr Veneshree Nair -
