by Vicki Driver, DPM Chief, Limb Preservation Service Madigan Army Medical Center
Tacoma WA
Most of us cringed when we entered the Biochemistry Class during our basic
science training in podiatric medical school… However it is that very field
which has now entered into the spotlight in the advancing technology of chronic
and problem wound healing. The level of understanding in wound science is
growing exponentially and can make it difficult for those in clinical practice
to keep current.
Dr. Driver presents a common sense approach to the biochemical influences in the
field of wound healing. She reviews the role of growth factors, cytokines,
biofilms, and metalloproteases with a focus on understanding the inter-relation
between these factors at the wound base. The lecture continues on to review some
of the latest treatment technology and research science which have given us
several new categories of products that are directed at optimizing the wound
environment and closing the wound. You will also be presented a fundamental
guide to approaching chronic wounds – the core healing principles diagram which
helps put everything into perspective. Numerous limb salvage cases are presented
to illustrate the nature in which the new knowledge base can be employed to
yield a positive outcome for your most challenging of patients.
