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INTRODUCTION
A 42 year old male employed by the local racetrack developed severe abscesses at multiple body sites after reporting a horse stepped on his right foot. CT identified multifocal pyomyositis, a skeletal muscle infection caused by MRSA and resulting in necrotizing infection, abscesses to bilateral arms, right thigh, calf and knee. Comorbidites include poorly controlled diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption and unknown substance use.
PREVIOUS TREATMENT
Previous treatment with negative pressure wound therapy was discontinued before transfer to the long term care facility. The decision was made to move to Leptospermum Honey in the final phase of wound healing.
METHODOLOGY
The goal was to treat at the bedside in the long term care environment; to prevent systemic infection, provide pain free dressing changes and clean the wound of existing infection. The wounds were packed loosely with a rope-like version of honey impregnated calcium alginate dressing (HICAD) and covered with non adhesive foam and roller gauze.
RESULTS
Within twelve days all tunneled areas were cleared of slough and filling with granulation tissue. No further surgical debridement was required. Complete closure of all five wounds was accomplished within twenty three days. The patient reported that his dressing changes were pain free and staff reported ease of use.
CONCLUSION
Active Leptospermum HICADs prepared the wound bed for healing and were cost-effective. Multiple abscess sites demonstrated rapid healing despite deep wound infection. The dressings cleared infection and enhanced rapid closure.
A 42 year old male employed by the local racetrack developed severe abscesses at multiple body sites after reporting a horse stepped on his right foot. CT identified multifocal pyomyositis, a skeletal muscle infection caused by MRSA and resulting in necrotizing infection, abscesses to bilateral arms, right thigh, calf and knee. Comorbidites include poorly controlled diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption and unknown substance use.
PREVIOUS TREATMENT
Previous treatment with negative pressure wound therapy was discontinued before transfer to the long term care facility. The decision was made to move to Leptospermum Honey in the final phase of wound healing.
METHODOLOGY
The goal was to treat at the bedside in the long term care environment; to prevent systemic infection, provide pain free dressing changes and clean the wound of existing infection. The wounds were packed loosely with a rope-like version of honey impregnated calcium alginate dressing (HICAD) and covered with non adhesive foam and roller gauze.
RESULTS
Within twelve days all tunneled areas were cleared of slough and filling with granulation tissue. No further surgical debridement was required. Complete closure of all five wounds was accomplished within twenty three days. The patient reported that his dressing changes were pain free and staff reported ease of use.
CONCLUSION
Active Leptospermum HICADs prepared the wound bed for healing and were cost-effective. Multiple abscess sites demonstrated rapid healing despite deep wound infection. The dressings cleared infection and enhanced rapid closure.