Wound Care - Evidence base practice for treating wounds with WP

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Evidence base practice for treating wounds with WP

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Specialty Forum for PTs/Healthcare Professionals
Forum Name: Wound Care
Forum Description: Discussion on Wound Care
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=109
Printed Date: Nov 21 2024 at 2:59pm
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Topic: Evidence base practice for treating wounds with WP

Posted By: Previous CPT Forum
Subject: Evidence base practice for treating wounds with WP
Date Posted: Jul 08 2008 at 3:04pm

rizzopt

1 Posts

Posted - 01/29/2008 : 19:30:20 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Can anyone recommend some literature for the use of whirlpool for treating wounds vs pulse lavage, dressing change etc.. ?

Darin

2 Posts

Posted - 03/05/2008 : 21:53:16 Show Profile Reply with Quote
You can perform a lit search for the studies, but you will find that there is little supporting evidence for the use of whirlpools in wound healing. There are many studies that show an increased risk of cross contamination and biofilms, which is why whirlpools are rarely used these days. Pulsed lavage is nice for those larger wounds that need the suction, but there are also reports of cross contamination with the splashing/small droplets in the air...which is why many pulsed lavage manufacturers now sell this tent type thing to prevent it. The use of a wound cleanser via spray bottle or large syringe is much easier, cost effective, and quicker in most cases. Also, use of Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) is extremely effective once the wound is granulating well. I continue to be amazed at wound healing rates when using the VAC.