Types of Wounds and Wound Treatment

Comprehensive Wound Management

Comprehensive wound management requires a physician-driven, multidisciplinary approach that directs critical resources required for evaluation and treatment to patients suffering from a non-healing wound. The Patrick T. Birrer Wound Care Centers provide highly specialized care for a variety of wounds including burns, surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, and other chronic non-healing wounds.

Over the past year, we have successfully healed 2,886 chronic, non-healing wounds with 87% of those being healing in 27 days with a patient satisfaction rate of 95%.

Some of the chronic wounds treated at the Patrick T. Birrer Wound Care Centers include:

  • Diabetic or Neuropathic Ulcers of the lower extremities – 25% of diabetic patients develop foot ulcers every year. It is essential that these patients receive appropriate care early to reduce the risk of amputation and preventing recurrent ulceration.

  • Pressure Injury (Bedsores) – This type of wound develops when skin is squeezed between a bone and an external surface, such as a bed or wheelchair. They are most likely to occur at the tailbone, heels, elbows, shoulder blades, knees, ankles, spine, or the back of the head. Pressure ulcers are most common in people who have difficulty walking and for those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound.

  • Vascular Ulcers – Caused by poor circulation, this type of chronic wound occurs in the lower legs between the ankles and the knees, as well as the feet. They develop when blood pools in the legs because of damaged valves in the veins. The legs may swell, feel hardened, or become discolored. These wounds are usually very painful and require immediate treatment to determine if it is possible to save the limb.

  • Arterial Ulcers – These wounds occur as a result of sustained venous hypertension, caused by venous insufficiency. They can occur anywhere, but are frequently seen on the top of the foot and front of the leg. These wounds are cool to the touch and are very painful and the skin looks shiny, thin, and dry. Loss of hair on the legs and toes also occurs.

  • Other Non-healing Chronic Wounds – These wounds consist of dehiscence (splitting open) of surgical wounds, burns, necrotizing (flesh eating) spider bites, necrotizing fasciitis, and wounds caused by trauma.

If any of these types of wound appear, notify your physician or contact the Patrick T. Birrer Wound Care Centers.

For More Information

Covington/Grant
(859) 655-1100

Ft. Thomas
(859) 572-3830

Dearborn
(812) 496-7730

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Please Note

If you notice signs of infection, increased temperature, odor, increased drainage, increased pain, coolness or heat at the site of the wound, seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment Plans

At the Patrick T. Birrer Wound Care Centers, each patient is evaluated to find any medical conditions that might block the natural healing process. Our wound care providers will coordinate your treatment with your primary care physician and specialists, understanding that wounds often require complex and long-term treatment. Results and updates will be given directly to your physician, home health agency, nursing facility, or extended care center.

In addition to treatment for your non-healing wound, the Patrick T. Birrer Wound Care Centers’ healthcare educators will also provide recommendations on how to care for your wound at home, as well as information on nutrition, physical therapy aids and diabetes management to help aid the healing process and prevent future wounds.

We utilize the newest clinical tools in wound healing along with traditional practices to treat your specific condition which include:

  • Wound dressing and wraps

  • Debridement of necrotic tissue

  • Compression therapy

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO)

  • Prescriptive growth factors

  • Bio-engineered skin grafting

  • Edema management

  • Non-invasive vascular assessment

Contact Us

Covington/Grant
(859) 655-1100

Ft. Thomas

Dearborn

(812) 496-7730


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Gold Seal of Quality Certification by Joint Commission

St. Elizabeth has achieved the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for orthopaedic spine and shoulder replacement surgery. The Gold Seal symbolizes St. Elizabeth’s commitment to providing high-quality, safe orthopaedic care. The designations are a first for St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

The Joint Commission is the leading accreditor of healthcare organizations in America. The organization uses information from health care experts, patients, providers and scientific and medical literature to evaluate a facility’s compliance with safety and quality standards.