Degloving injuries are a type of traumatic injury where the skin and underlying tissues get forcibly stripped and removed from the body, often resulting in significant damage.
Treatment for these injuries may depend on the severity and extent of the damage and may involve any of the following interventions.
Surgery
Since degloving injuries often involve severe damage to soft tissue, surgical intervention is frequently required. This may include debridement to remove necrotic or contaminated tissue, as well as procedures to reattach or reconstruct the damaged skin and underlying structures. Skin grafts or local flap surgeries are commonly used to cover exposed areas and promote healing. In some cases, additional reconstructive surgeries may be necessary to restore functionality and improve cosmetic outcomes.
Amputation
Where the damage is extensive and the affected limb or body part cannot be salvaged, amputation may be necessary. This decision is typically made when the extent of tissue loss or damage makes it impractical to repair or restore the function of the injured area. Following amputation, prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation are important components of treatment to help the patient adapt and regain mobility.
Appendage reattachment
If the degloving injury involves the detachment of an appendage, such as a finger or limb, reattachment may be considered. This procedure involves surgically reconnecting the severed appendage to restore function and sensation. Successful reattachment depends on the timing of the surgery, the condition of the severed part and the extent of damage to the connecting tissues and blood vessels. Post-operative care includes rigorous monitoring, rehabilitation and sometimes additional surgeries to optimize the outcome.
The immediate and long-term impacts of a degloving injury can potentially cause significant financial and emotional strain. The complexity of treatment and rehabilitation often involves substantial medical expenses and if the injury was as a result of negligence by another person, there may be legal options for pursuing personal injury compensation.