Salvage of the Problem Wound and Potential Amputation with Wound Care and Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: An Economic Analysis.

Abstract

A carefully coordinated wound care program utilizing the specialties of infectious disease, vascular surgery, orthopedics, internal medicine, primary care, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy has resulted in a 92% overall salvage rate in a series of 39 patients with problem wounds of the lower extremity and/or limb-threatening lesions. This was accomplished economically when compared to the cost of primary amputation, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up. We recommend the aggressive team approach as a cost-effective method of dealing with otherwise refractory problem wounds of the lower extremity.