Simultaneous, Asymmetrical, Comminuted and Bilateral Ballistic Fractures by Multiple Gunshot Wounds and a Review of Its Literature: A Case Report in Chad

Although open leg fractures are very common in orthopedics and traumatology, bilateral open leg fractures are extremely rare and are usually associated with an increased risk of complications. We report a case of a simultaneous, asymmetrical, comminuted and bilateral open fracture of the tibia and fibula by a firearm that occurred during an escape attempt in a 29-year-old prisoner. The pre-operative radiological assessment found an open fracture of both legs of the ballistic type;multiple traumatic gunshot wounds with a narrow entry hole and a wide exit hole. Early surgical intervention of intravenous antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis and open fracture irrigation and debridement was performed within the 6 hour rule. The treatment consisted of a posterior splint followed by trimming andosteosynthesis using a FESSA external fixator from the military health service. A second operation was not needed. Evolution was favorable with ambulation starting from the 45th day. Simultaneous and bilateral tibia-fibula fractures by a firearm are exceptional, therefore, the treatment was surgical with the pre-operative and post-operative protocols well managed.

Establishment of a three-dimensional finite element model for gunshot wounds to the human mandible

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of a finite element model as an ideal research tool for human maxillofacial gunshot wounds.Methods:Mandible CT scan data on the Chinese Visible Human were imported into MIMICS software to obtain the surface mesh of the mandible.Then,these surface-meshed models were imported into ANSA software for automatic net generation.Elements and nodes were partitioned on the basis of the mesh to obtain a three-dimensional finite element model for the mandible with every internal parameter consistent with those of our previously developed model in the pig mandible.The finite element model was imported into LS-DYNA for computation.Finally,the LS-POST was used to complete the simulation and the measurements.Results:A three-dimensional finite element model was successfully established for gunshot wounds in the human mandible.The stress distribution and the degree of injury were simulated dynamically for shots from two types of projectiles in the mandible at one entry angle and at three impact velocities.Conclusion:Three-dimensional finite element models will become ideal research tools for treatment of ballistic wounds of the human maxillofacial region.Using this human mandibular model as a foundation,we will be able to successfully develop three-dimensional finite element models for human maxillofacial gunshot wounds.

The Application of Bilayer Artificial Dermis Combined with VSD Technology in Chronic Wounds

Background: Bilayer artificial dermis promotes wound healing and offers a treatment option for chronic wounds. Aim: Examine the clinical efficacy of bilayer artificial dermis combined with Vacuum Sealing Drainage (VSD) technology in the treatment of chronic wounds. Method: From June 2021 to December 2023, our hospital treated 24 patients with chronic skin tissue wounds on their limbs using a novel tissue engineering product, the bilayer artificial dermis, in combination with VSD technology to repair the wounds. The bilayer artificial dermis protects subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and tendons, and also promotes the growth of granulation tissue and blood vessels to aid in wound healing when used in conjunction with VSD technology for wound dressing changes in chronic wounds. Results: In this study, 24 cases of chronic wounds with exposed bone or tendon larger than 1.0 cm2 were treated with a bilayer artificial skin combined with VSD dressing after wound debridement. The wounds were not suitable for immediate skin grafting. At 2 - 3 weeks post-treatment, good granulation tissue growth was observed. Subsequent procedures included thick skin grafting or wound dressing changes until complete wound healing. Patients were followed up on average for 3 months (range: 1 - 12 months) post-surgery. Comparative analysis of the appearance, function, skin color, elasticity, and sensation of the healed chronic wounds revealed superior outcomes compared to traditional skin fl repairs, resulting in significantly higher satisfaction levels among patients and their families. Conclusion: The application of bilayer artificial dermis combined with VSD technology for the repair of chronic wounds proves to be a viable method, yielding satisfactory therapeutic effects compared to traditional skin flap procedures.

Double-nylon purse-string suture in closing postoperative wounds following endoscopic resection of large(≥3 cm)gastric submucosal tumors

BACKGROUND Endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR)of gastric submucosal tumors(SMTs)is safe and effective;however,postoperative wound management is equally important.Literature on suturing following EFTR for large(≥3 cm)SMTs is scarce and limited.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and clinical value of double-nylon purse-string suture in closing postoperative wounds following EFTR of large(≥3 cm)SMTs.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of 85 patients with gastric SMTs in the fundus of the stomach or in the lesser curvature of the gastric body whose wounds were treated with double-nylon purse-string sutures after successful tumor resection at the Endoscopy Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.The operative,postoperative,and follow-up conditions of the patients were evaluated.RESULTS All tumors were completely resected using EFTR.36(42.35%)patients had tumors located in the fundus of the stomach,and 49(57.65%)had tumors located in the body of the stomach.All patients underwent suturing with double-nylon sutures after EFTR without laparoscopic assistance or further surgical treatment.Postoperative fever and stomach pain were reported in 13(15.29%)and 14(16.47%)patients,respectively.No serious adverse events occurred during the intraoperative or postoperative periods.A postoperative review of all patients revealed no residual or recurrent lesions.CONCLUSION Double-nylon purse-string sutures can be used to successfully close wounds that cannot be completely closed with a single nylon suture,especially for large(≥3 cm)EFTR wounds in SMTs.

Eyelid Wounds: Epidemiological, Clinical and Etiological Aspects

Purpose: The aim is to show epidemiological, clinical and etiological characteristics of palpebral wounds. Methodology: This was a retrospective study focusing on patients with an eyelid wound, over a 10-year period from 2012 to 2021. We collected and analyzed the data using Excel. Results: The frequency of eyelid wounds was 0.1%. The average age of our patients was 19.38 years with a range of 1 and 62 years. The sex ratio was 3.7. Eighty-one percent of patients lived in Dakar. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of patients consulted less than 24 hours after the trauma and 7% of patients on D1. The circumstances were brawls (11%), domestic accidents (9%), road accidents (6%), and work accidents (6%). We noted 1 case of dog bite. Thirteen patients presented with post-traumatic decreased visual acuity. Involvement of the isolated upper eyelid was noted in 40% of cases and both eyelids in 15% of cases. Involvement of the lacrimal ducts was noted in 17% of cases, and that of the free edge in 21% of cases. Eyelid wounds were associated with eyeball damage in 21% of cases. Various associated lesions were observed. Ninety-one percent of patients received surgical treatment. Three cases of superinfections, 1 case of conjunctival granuloma and 1 case of phthysis of the eyeball with postoperative retinal detachment were noted. Conclusion: Eyelid sores are relatively common in our context. They require rapid surgical treatment in order to preserve the functional and aesthetic prognosis. .

3D-bioprinted tri-layered cellulose/collagen-based drug-eluting fillers for the treatment of deep tunneling wounds

Tunneling wounds create passageways underneath the skin surface with varying sizes and shapes and can have twists and turns,making their treatment extremely difficult.Available wound care solutions only cater to superficial wounds,and untreated tunneling wounds pose major health concerns.This study aims to fulfill this challenge by fabricating tunnel wound fillers(TWFs)made of natural polymers that mimic the dermal extracellular matrix.In this study,cellulose microfibers(CMFs)derived from banana stem and fish skin-derived collagen were used to formulate bio-inks with varying CMF contents(25,50,and 75 mg).Tri-layered(CMFs,primary and secondary collagen coatings),drug-eluting(Baneocin),and cell-laden(human mesenchymal stem cells)TWFs were three-dimensional(3D)-printed and extensively characterized.CMFs showed the most suitable rheological properties for 3D printing at 50 mg concentration.The Alamar Blue data showed significantly increased cell proliferation from Day 1 to Day 7,and scratch tests used to evaluate in vitro wound healing revealed that the best coverage of the wound area was achieved using CMFs in combination with collagen and alginate.Finally,the TWF showed promising capability and tunability in terms of wound shape and size upon testing on a chicken tissue model.The results demonstrate the tremendous potential of TWFs in treating deep tunneling wounds with unique advantages,such as patient-specific customization,good wound exudate absorption capability while releasing wound healing drugs,and the inclusion of stem cells for accelerated healing and tissue regeneration.

Study on the effect of Shixiang plaster on the expression of CD31,serum FN,and VEGF in a rat model with chronic wounds

Background:Chronic wounds pose a significant surgical challenge,often requiring traditional treatments with limited efficacy.This study explores the promising impact of Shixiang plaster,a classic Chinese ointment,on wound healing.We investigated the cluster of differentiation 31(CD31)expression,serum fibronectin(FN),and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)levels in SPF rats with induced wounds to elucidate the mechanism behind Shixiang plaster’s effectiveness.We investigated the effect and explored the role of Shixiang plaster on the expression of CD31,serum FN,and VEGF in chronic wounds.Methods:The study involved 36 SPF rats divided into model,rb-bFGF,and Shixiang plaster groups.Penicillin was injected into the rats before modelling for 3 days to prevent infection.The skin was excised 2 cm below the horizontal line of the inferior border of the shoulder bone in the middle of the rat column up to the deep fascial layer and inoculated with a certain concentration of Staphylococcus aureus;the wound was covered aseptically for 3 days.The trauma area of the rats was observed at 3,7,and 14 days,respectively.Histopathology was observed using haematoxylin eosin and Masson staining.CD31 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry staining.FN and VEGF expression was detected using serum ELISA.Statistical analyses were carried out by the method of SPSS.Results:Regarding wound morphology,at 3 days,the recovery area of the Shixiang plaster group was larger than that of the other two groups,at 7 days,the wound healing rate of the Shixiang plaster group was significantly higher,and at 14 days,the wounds of the Shixiang plaster group had been mostly healed,with a healing rate of 98.3%.Haematoxylin eosin staining revealed a large amount of granulation tissue at 3 days in the Shixiang plaster group,and the epidermal scales disappeared at 14 days,with thinner epidermal thickness at 1 lesion and a large reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration.Masson staining showed that at 3,7,and 14 days,blue staining was the most abundant and deeper in the Shixiang plaster group,with richer collagen and a compact tissue matrix.Immunohistochemical testing showed strong positive expression of CD31 in the Shixiang plaster group,with abundant neovascularisation and large official lumens extending towards the surface of the wound.Statistically significant elevated expression of FN at 7 and 14 days was determined by ELISA in the Shixiang plaster group,and VEGF expression was significantly increased at 7 days,but expression had been expressed at a low level at 14 days.Conclusion:Shixiang plaster exhibits remarkable efficacy in healing chronic wounds.The proposed mechanism involves FN’s promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation,VEGF’s impact on angiogenesis and inflammation,and CD31’s regulatory role in inhibiting inflammation while promoting angiogenesis.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving chronic difficult-to-heal wounds:A case report

BACKGROUND Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL)is a malignant tumor that originates from the lymphoid tissues and can potentially affect numerous organs within the body.Among these,the skin stands out as one of the primary sites affected by NHL,often presenting with multiple extra-nodal manifestations.In this report,we present an unusual case of NHL involving chronic wounds in the lower extremities that were difficult to heal.The scars were successfully treated using radiotherapy in combination with extended excision debridement and peroneal artery perforator flap grafting,resulting in satisfactory outcomes.CASE SUMMARY A 19-year-old male patient presented with ulceration of the skin on the left calf near the ankle accompanied by purulent discharge.Subsequent pathologic biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of NHL(extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma,nasal type).Initial treatment comprised local radiotherapy and wound care;however,the wound exhibited prolonged non-healing.Consequently,the patient underwent a series of interventions including radiotherapy,wound enlargement excision debridement,and peroneal artery perforator flap grafting.Ultimately,successful healing was achieved with favorable postoperative outcomes characterized by good texture of the flap without any signs of rupture or infection.CONCLUSION The combination of radiotherapy,wound enlargement excision debridement,and peroneal artery perforator flap grafting may present a favorable treatment modality for chronic non-healing lower leg wounds resulting from NHL.

Research Progress of Continuous Nursing for Patients with Chronic Wounds After Discharge

The research status of continuous nursing of patients with chronic wounds is reviewed.Since the research on continuous nursing of chronic wound patients in China is still in the initial stage,if necessary,learn from foreign experience,improve relevant systems,develop corresponding evaluation tools,actively implement telemedicine,and carry out hospital-community linkage models,etc.to provide high-quality nursing services for patients with chronic wounds.

Transplantation of a pectoralis major flap for the repair of myiasis wounds

Myiasis is a disease caused by the invasion and colonization of human tissues and organs by the larvae of flies.This is manifested by the formation of necrotic tissue in the lesion,the colonization of fly eggs and the spread of fly larvae.This disease is mostly found in areas with poor sanitary conditions.Poor wound care,necrotic tissue formation,reduced immunity,and frequent contact with flies are risk factors for this disease.Myiasis can be divided into obligate and facultative parasitism,^([1])while some scholars have classified myiasis according to its location.^([2])In addition,some cases of myiasis are secondary to wound infection or poor surgical maintenance.^([3,4]).

Platelet-rich plasma treatment for chronic wounds:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Wound healing is a complicated process that can be heavily influenced by patient comorbidities,in some cases leading to a chronic non-healing wound.Evidence presented in the medical literature supporting the clinical use of autologous platelet-rich plasma(PRP)in treatment of such wounds is becoming increasingly compelling.Mechanisms involved include complex interactions between the patient’s thrombocytes,cytokines,and growth factors.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of a 72-year-old male patient with a long-standing chronic wound and multiple comorbidities.Over the course of more than 7 months,the patient was unsuccessfully treated with all routinely used measures,including different dressing approaches.Multiple antibiotic regimens were administered for wound infection,with repeated evaluation of microbiological swab results.Finally,after three PRP applications,the wound showed clinical improvement with complete restitution of the epithelial layer of the skin.CONCLUSION PRP treatment may be beneficial to reduce healing time in chronic wounds.

Nanoskin®-ACT—The Impact of Natural Membrane & Soft with Chronic and Untreated Wounds

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile biomaterial with unique properties that make it promising for various biomedical applications, including wound healing. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in wound healing, providing a structural scaffold and signaling cues for cell migration and proliferation. This study investigates the potential of BC as a scaffold for ECM production and its effect on in vivo wound healing. In this work, the bacterial cellulose fermentation process is modified by the addition of Green Propolis and Usnic acid to the culture medium and natural materials before the bacteria are inoculated. In vivo behaviour using natural membranes for regenerative medicine is presented and it is in edit. Overall, our findings demonstrate the potential of BC as a scaffold for ECM production and its beneficial effects on in vivo wound healing. BC-based dressings may offer a novel approach to promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration in clinical settings. Further studies are warranted to optimize BC-based therapies and explore their full potential in regenerative medicine.

Surgical treatment for rabbits' femoral arteries subjected to gunshot wounds combining with seawater immersion

Objective: To investigate the surgical treatment methods and evaluate the outcome of gunshot wounds combining with seawater immersion in rabbits’ femoral arteries. Methods: One hundred healthy New Zealand white rabbits (either sex, 3.14 kg± 0.61 kg in weight) were randomly divided into a seawater immersion group (n=50) and a simple injury group (n=50). The unilateral femoral arteries of all the rabbits were injured by 0.38 g steel spheres with velocity of 600-800 m/s fired by a 7.62 mm rifle. The rabbits in the seawater immersion group were immersed in seawater (saline content of 2.54%, pH 8.2- 8.4, and at 21℃) for 60 minutes but those in the simple injury group were not. After the injured segment (observed by naked eyes) of the femoral artery was excised, the blood flow restoration was reconstructed by direct end-to-end anastomosis, reversed autogenous venous grafting or cryopreserved arterial allografting, according to the length of the arterial defects. At 24 hours, and 7, 14 and 21 days after operation, the blood flow was examined. Operative exploration was performed for the animals with partly or fully obstructed blood flow. The tissues around the anastomosis sites and the grafts were harvested for pathological observation under a light microscope and an electron microscope. Results: In the rabbits with completely transected injury, the unobstructed rates in the first 3 weeks after operation were 80.00% in the seawater immersion group and 86.67% in the single injury group, and no significant difference was found between the two groups (P> 0.1). In the rabbits with arterial contusion injury, the unobstructed rates in the first 3 weeks after operation were 86.67% in the seawater immersion group and 82.35% in the single injury group, and no significant difference was found between the two groups (P> 0.1). Most thrombosis occurred in the first operative week. Atypical endothelial cells were detected at the anastomosis sites at the first operative week, and the anastomosis sites were lined with endothelial cells in 3 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions: During the surgical treatment for gunshot wounds combining with seawater immersion, resection of the grossly-injured artery and routine artery reconstruction can obtain satisfactory outcome. Homologous artery is a kind of vascular graft with certain applied value.

Tissue Regeneration in Infected Wounds of Albino Rats Using Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Gelatin Microspheres Incorporated Collagen Scaffold: A Histological Approach with H&E Staining

A wound care system consisting of ciprofloxacin-loaded gelatin microspheres impregnated in a macroporous collagen scaffold was created to effectively control wound infection and regenerate soft tissue at the wound site.Histological and biochemical alterations were observed in infected wounds treated with these scaffolds in Albino Wistar rats.Furthermore,the study examined the immediate and prolonged release of ciprofloxacin from the scaffolds,as well as their function in eliminating bacterial infections and expediting the process of skin healing and regeneration.The developed technique was followed in the streamlined process of creating these collagen scaffolds.Compared to untreated wounds,the group receiving scaffold treatment experienced a faster rate of wound closure.It was noted that the rate of infections was considerably reduced and that full soft tissue regeneration occurred within 12 days.The development of well-deposited collagen bundles in the treated groups was demonstrated by H&E staining,which verified the flawless regeneration of the dermis and epidermis.The antimicrobial agent-loaded gelatin microspheres impregnated into the porous collagen scaffold demonstrated remarkable soft tissue regeneration and efficient infection control at the wound site.

Pathological study of rabbits' femoral arteries subjected to gunshot wounds combining with seawater immersion

Objective: To investigate pathological characteristics of gunshot wounds concomitant seawater immersion in rabbits’ femoral arteries. Methods: Thirty rabbits were divided randomly into 3 groups: simple gunshot-wound group (Group I, n=10), gunshot wound with seawater immersion for 30 mins (Group II, n=10), and 60 mins group (Group III, n=10). Femoral arteries were impacted by (0.38 g) steel spheres fired with a (7.62 mm) rifle. After being wounded, rabbits in Groups II and III were immersed in seawater for 30 or 60 mins, but those in Group I were not. At 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 hours following injury, a 40 mm segment of the artery on each side of the gunshot point were excised and observed by light and electron microscopy. Results: The patterns of arterial injuries were mainly contusion and transection. Completely transected artery was classified as primary-wound-tract area, contused area and shocked area. Compared with those in Group I, the primary-wound-tract and contused areas in Group II manifested obvious swelling in the arterial wall especially at the outside 2/3 of the media. Vacuolar structures were often seen in smooth muscle cells of the media. Intercellular space among the smooth muscle cells were filled with homogeneous acidophilic substances. Deep rugae among endothelial cells flattened or rugal folds lost their longitudinal orientation, and marked fibrin and platelet deposition were noticed. No significant difference was detected between Group II and III. The pathological changes in the shocked area were similar in 3 groups. Conclusions: For gunshot wounds concomitant seawater immersion in rabbits’ femoral arteries, there was a marked swelling of cells and intercellular space in primary-wound-tract area and contusion area. The influence of these pathological changes on surgical reparation deservers further study.

Antibacterial activities of selected medicinal plants in traditional treatment of human wounds in Ethiopia

Objective:To evaluate the activity of selected Ethiopian medicinal plants traditionally used for wound treatment against wound-causing bacteria.Methods:Samples of medicinal plants(Achyranthes aspera,Brucea antidysenteriea,Datura stramonium,Croton macrostachyus,Acokanthera xchimperi.,Phytolacca dodecandra,Milhttia ferruginea,and Solanum incanum)were extracted using absolute methanol and water and tested for their antimicrobial activities against clinical isolates and standard strains of wound-causing bacteria using agar well diffusion and micro titer plate methods.Results:Most of the plant extracts had antibacterial activities,among which Acokanthera schimperi and Brucea antidysenteriea inhibited growth of 100%and 35%of the test organisms,respectively.Methanolic extracts had higher activities compared with their corresponding aqueous extracts.The most susceptible organism to the extracts was Streptococcus pyogens while the most resistant were Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris.Conclusions:This finding justifies the use of the plants in wound healing and their potential activity against woundcausing bacteria.Their toxicity level and antimicrobial activity with different extraction solvents should further be studied to use them as sources and templates for the synthesis of drugs to control wound and other disease-causing bacteria.

Combination of dura turning-over and decompressive craniectomy： a new pattern of surgery for cerebral infarction caused by craniocerebral gunshot injury

Background:Craniocerebral gunshot injury refers to a wound caused by a bullet passing through or lodged in brain tissue,resulting in the loss of function of a certain area or other fatal damage to the human brain.Craniocerebral gunshot injury is usually life-threatening and is very common in modern warfare,accounting for the majority of battle casualties.Most of the patients suffer from acute cerebral infarction caused by vascular injury.Lack of early and solid battlefield emergency medical interference adds to the risk of death among the wounded.Case presentation:We present a 24-year-old man who was shot with a shotgun from a distance of 15m in an accidental injury.Forty-seven grape shots were found on his body surface by physical examination.A computed tomography(CT)scan demonstrated large areas of low-density shadows in his right parietal lobe and right temporal lobe with the midline shifting to the left side 2 days later.Afterwards,the patient was transferred to our emergency medical center at Changzheng Hospital in Shanghai.Cranial computed tomography angiography(CTA)showed a high-density shadow in the initial part of the right middle cerebral artery.The branches after the initial part were obliterated.Prompt medical attention and decompressive craniotomy(DC)surgery contributed to the final recovery from cerebral infarction of this patient.Conclusion:Bullets can penetrate or be lodged in the brain,causing intracranial hypertension.The bullets lodged in the brain can result in stenosis and embolism of a cerebral artery,causing acute cerebral infarction.Combining dura turning-over surgery with DC surgery can not only decrease intracranial pressure,which can increase the blood supply for hypertension-induced vessel stenosis,but also help vessels outside the dura mater grow into ischemic areas of the cerebral cortex.However,this new pattern of surgery needs further support from evidence-based medicine.

Therapeutic effect of autologous concentrated growth factor on lower-extremity chronic refractory wounds:A case report

BACKGROUND Management of chronic refractory wounds is one of the toughest clinical challenges for surgeons.Because of poor blood supply,less tissue coverage,and easy exposure,the lower leg is a common site for chronic refractory wounds.The current therapeutic regimens often lead to prolonged hospital stay and higher healthcare costs.Concentrated growth factor(CGF)is a novel blood extract that contains various growth factors,platelets,and fibrins to promote wound healing process.However,there has been little research reported on the treatment of lower extremity wounds with CGF.CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old man,without any past medical history,presented an ulcerated chronic wound on his right lower leg.The skin defect exhibited clear boundaries,with a size of 2.0 cm×3.5 cm.The depth of wound was up to the layer of deep fascia.Staphylococcus aureus was detected by bacterial culture.The final diagnosis was right lower extremity ulcers with infection.Cefathiamidine,silver sulfadiazine,and mupirocin cream were applied to control the infection.CGF gel was prepared from the patient’s blood sample,and was used to cover the wound after thorough debridement.The skin wound was successfully healed after three times of CGF treatment.CONCLUSION CGF displays an excellent wound healing promoting effect in patients with lowerextremity chronic refractory wounds.

Civilian gunshot wounds to the head:a case report,clinical management,and literature review

Background:Civilian gunshot wounds to the head refer to brain injury caused by projectiles such as gun projectiles and various fragments generated by explosives in a power launch or explosion.Gunshot wounds to the head are the deadliest of all gun injuries.According to literature statistics,the survival rate of patients with gunshot wounds to the head is only 9%.Due to the strict management of various types of firearms,they rarely occur,so the injury mechanism,injury and trauma analysis,clinical management,and surgical standards are almost entirely based on military experience,and there are few related reports,especially of the head,in which an individual suffered a fatal blow more than once in a short time.We report a case with a return to almost complete recovery despite the patient suffering two gunshot injuries to the head in a short period of time.Case presentations:We present a case of a 53-year-old man who suffered two gunshot injuries to the head under unknown circumstances.On initial presentation,the patient had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6,was unable to communicate,and had loss of consciousness.The first bullet penetrated the right frontal area and finally reached the right occipital lobe.When the patient reflexively shielded his head with his hand,the second bullet passed through the patient’s right palm bone,entered the right frontotemporal area,and came to rest deep in the lateral sulcus.The patient had a cerebral hernia when he was admitted to the hospital and immediately entered the operating room for rescue after a computed tomography scan.After two foreign body removals and skull repair,the patient recovered completely.Conclusions:Gunshot wounds to the head have a high mortality rate and usually require aggressive management.Evaluation of most gunshot injuries requires extremely fast imaging examination upon arrival at the hospital,followed by proactive treatment against infection,seizure,and increased intracranial pressure.Surgical intervention is usually necessary,and its key points include the timing,method,and scope of the operation.

Effect of hydrogen intervention on refractory wounds after radiotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Patients with keloids who receive radiotherapy(RT)after surgery can develop refractory wounds that cannot be healed by the patient's own repair system.Such chronic wounds are uneven and complex due to persistent abscess and ulceration.Without external intervention,they can easily result in local tissue necrosis or,in severe cases,large area tissue resection,amputation,and even death.CASE SUMMARY This article describes the use of hydrogen to treat a 42-year-old female patient with a chronic wound on her left shoulder.The patient had a skin graft that involved implanting a dilator under the skin of her left shoulder,and then transferring excess skin from her shoulder onto scar tissue on her chest.The skin grafting was followed by two rounds of RT,after which the shoulder wound had difficulty healing.For six months,the patient was treated with 2 h of hydrogen inhalation(HI)therapy per day,in addition to application of sterile gauze on the wound and periodic debridement.We also performed one deep,large,sharp debridement to enlarge the wound area.The wound healed completely within 6 mo of beginning the HI treatment.CONCLUSION After HI therapy,the patient showed superior progress in reepithelialization and wound repair,with eventual wound closure in 6 mo,in comparison with the previous failures of hyperbaric oxygen and recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor therapies.Our work showed that HI therapy could be a new strategy for wound healing that is cleaner,more convenient,and less expensive than other therapies,as well as easily accessible for further application in clinical wound care.