Degloving Injuries are those that cause very high trauma and cause severe types of skin and soft tissue damage. These are the injuries that are caused when the layers of skin and tissue are forcefully separated from the underlying muscle, bone, or connective tissue. This injury is infrequent; however, they are common in high-impact accidents where vehicle collisions, industrial mishaps, or severe falls take place. Because of their complexity, Degloving Injuries require specialized medical attention.
What is a Degloving Injury?
If you don’t know what a degloving injury is, it is an injury where the skin and sometimes deeper tissues get torn from the body, exposing internal organs. This can happen externally or internally, where the deeper layers of skin get affected, and the upper skin is not damaged. The injury resembles the removal of a glove; therefore, it is termed “degloving.” All such injuries can lead to a considerable amount of blood loss, infections, and in some severe cases, can lead to limb amputation if not treated correctly.
Types of Degloving Injuries
There are several Types of Degloving Injuries, and understanding them is very important to get them diagnosed and treated properly:
Open Degloving Injuries
This is a commonly recognized form where the skin layer gets pulled away and exposes the underlying muscles, tendons, or bone. These are often seen in road-rash accidents or when a limb is caught in a big machine.
Closed Degloving Injuries
These are not directly visible but equally dangerous. Also known as Morel-Lavallée lesions, they occur when there is a blunt trauma that causes skin and subcutaneous tissues to separate internally. These are the injuries that often go undiagnosed at first and later result in severe complications, such as fluid accumulation and infection.
Circumferential Degloving Injuries
In this type of injury, the injury wraps a limb completely, which often leads to critical vascular and tissue damage. These are the injuries that have a higher risk of requiring amputation if blood flow is compromised.
Limited Degloving Injuries
These involve the damage of a smaller area of the body and are more localized injuries. While they may appear less severe, they still demand wound management as well as surgical intervention.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on the severity of the type of Degloving Injury. Remember that immediate first aid helps control bleeding, prevent infection, and stabilize the patient. Besides, surgical options may include skin grafting, reattachment procedures, or reconstructive surgery with the help of flap techniques. In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen is also used to support tissue healing.
Rehabilitation is another essential post-surgery for restoring function, especially when limbs are involved. An integrative interdisciplinary team, including trauma surgeons, plastic surgeons, physical surgeons, and physiotherapists, is usually required for a complete recovery approach.
Why Prompt Medical Attention Matters
Considering that Degloving Injuries have life-threatening effects, diagnosing them early is essential. Delaying treatment can lead to increased risk of infection, tissue necrosis, or even limb loss.
If You or a Loved One is Suffering from a Degloving Injury
Dr. G. M. Irfan and his team specialize in complex trauma and reconstructive care. If you suspect or are recovering from a Degloving Injury, don’t wait—reach out today for expert evaluation and treatment. Your recovery starts with the proper care.