Long-Term Recovery of Degloving Injuries
The long-term recovery after degloving injuries is dependent on a variety of factors. When someone suffers a degloving injury, this is a medical emergency. Several parts of the injury require the immediate attention of a trained medical professional. These include:
- Assessing the individual for blood loss and providing a blood transfusion if medically indicated.
- Treating any possible infections that could develop due to the loss of skin.
- Evaluating the tissue underneath the skin for viability.
A large percentage of degloving injuries will require emergency surgery to remove dead tissue and apply skin grafts over the injury site. However, the treatment process doesn’t stop here.
A Long Hospital Stay is Typical
After the surgery is completed, the individual will likely face a prolonged hospital stay. There are several reasons why a hospital stay is necessary:
- The doctors need to make sure that more tissue doesn’t need to be removed.
- Medical professionals need to ensure that no infections arise that could require IV antibiotics.
- Pain control after the surgery could require IV medications.
- In some cases, a body part might have been amputated, and the individual needs to be fitted with a prosthetic.
This extra time in the hospital also allows the doctors to coordinate various resources that are going to play an essential role in the long-term recovery following such a severe injury.
Physical Therapy Plays a Critical Role in the Recovery Process
Regardless of whether or not someone requires an amputation after a degloving injury, many months of physical therapy are likely necessary. There are several critical roles that physical therapy will play in this process. Some of these include:
- A trained physical therapist could help someone learn how to use their prosthetic if amputation was required.
- Physical therapy can also help people restore function in an injured body part.
- A physical therapist can help an individual regain mobility, flexibility, and range of motion following a severe injury.
- Physical therapists can also help someone control pain or discomfort in their injury location.
With the help of a physical therapist, someone can regain as much function in an injured body part as possible. Depending on the injury severity, someone might even make a full recovery.
Watch YouTube Video: Physical Therapy. The following video explains what you can expect at a physical therapy session.
Returning to Work After a Degloving Injury
For many who suffer a degloving injury, the ultimate goal might be to return to work. In this situation, sessions with an occupational therapist could also be helpful. It will take time for patients to reach their new baseline level of functioning after a degloving injury. An occupational therapist can help them learn how to do their job at this new baseline. The sooner they receive specialized care following a major injury, the better their chance at making a meaningful recovery. After seeking medical care, it is also a good idea for families to speak with an injury attorney.
Sacramento Degloving Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Degloving Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. The long-term recovery process following a degloving injury could be prolonged. If you or someone you care for has sustained a degloving injury in a serious accident, please reach out to me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
I’m a valued member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum & of the Top One Percent, which is a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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