Print Handheld Contrast

Deep Wound with Tunneling

Description:

• This wet wound extends down to the bone and has an 8 cm tunnel at 2 o'clock

Goals of treatment:

• to rule out osteomyelitis
• to protect area from further breakdown
  

Things to keep in mind:

• measure tunneling and document (using clock face for direction)
• remove or prevent pressure on the area
• pain management with dressing changes
• maximize nutrition and hydration

Suggested treatment*:

• irrigate well in wound and tunnel with NS
• lightly pack this wound (including tunnel) with Mesalt ribbon, layer Aquacel
• cover with Alldress or abdominal  pad and tape, change OD.
  

If this wound were infected:

• systemic antibiotics would likely be required
• swab wound (including tunnel) to determine bacteria
• the suggested dressing* would be to as above, OR
• lightly pack the wound with Iodosorb on NuGauze ribbon,
• cover with Alldress or gauze and abd pad & change q 2 days or prn.

* All suggested treatments and dressings in this web site were evidence based choices by the authors and by no means represent the only dressing option available.

return to Example Wounds & Dressings

---