Degloving injuries of the limbs: long-term review and management based on whole-body fluorescence

Abstract

From the long-term review of past results no type of replacement cover will entirely match the qualities of the original. Management must therefore be directed towards conservation of all viable skin flaps. Whole body fluorescence has proved a useful technique for obtaining a line of demarcation at an early stage. Demarcation of non-vascularised skin flaps allows excision and preparation of full thickness skin grafts to obtain the most satisfactory type of replacement cover. Where full thickness skin grafts can be prepared they should be applied tothe functionally most important areas.