A review of the initial management of skin and subcutaneous tissue avulsion injuries October - 1999 --- September- 2000

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To study skin and subcutaneous tissue avulsion injuries with the aim of finding the pattern, aetiology, management and outcomes, as seen in Kenyatta National Hospital. DESIGN: A retrospective and prospective follow up study. SETTING: The Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, between October 15t 1999- September 30th 2000. SUBJECTS: Twenty two patients seen at Kenyatta National Hospital between October 15t 1999 and September 30th 2000, with Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Avulsion Injuries. RESULTS: There were nineteen males and three females. The youngest was six months old, while the eldest was aged sixty-five years. Road traffic accidents accounted for most of the injuries, most being of moderate severity. The outcome was good, with only two patients having confirmed poor results. Follow up was however very poor with only seven patients returning. CONCLUSION: The method of management of degloving injuries in Kenyatta National Hospital is essentially satisfactory with only two poor results in this study.