Cavity Wounds Explained
This short video presentation by **Fiona Downie**, featured on TVN‑TV, provides clinicians with a foundational overview of cavity wounds—including how to assess, measure, and manage these complex wound types effectively.
Key Points:
- Definitions & Depths: Cavity wounds range from shallow depressions (<2 cm) to deep wounds exposing underlying structures like fascia, tendon, muscle, or bone.
- Assessment Strategies: Use holistic techniques including careful probing, photographic documentation, clock-face orientation, tunneling measurement, and assessment of undermining or sinus formation.
- Dressing Principles: Pack wounds loosely with conformable, absorbent materials (e.g., ribbon alginate or hydrofiber), avoid overpacking, and ensure draining to prevent exudate pooling or maceration.
- Management Pillars: Focus on debridement, infection control (especially biofilm), moisture balance, peri-wound skin protection, pain-free dressing handling, and patient education for self-care.
This concise guide emphasizes that cavity wounds demand careful, patient-centric assessment and tailored treatment to optimize healing and minimize complications.
Keywords:
Fiona Downie,
cavity wounds,
probe measurement,
hydrofiber,
alginate dressing,
biofilm management,
moisture balance,
peri-wound care
Watch “Cavity Wounds Explained” on TVN‑TV
Spotlight: Tools for Managing Cavity Wounds
Effective care of cavity wounds depends on accurate assessment, appropriate dressing selection, and maintaining moisture balance. A growing number of specialized tools and products are available to support clinicians in managing these challenging wound types:
- Wound Measurement Devices: Tools such as the SilhouetteStar™ or eKare inSight® enable 3D wound mapping and depth assessment—helping clinicians monitor cavity volume and tunneling over time.
- Hydrofiber and Alginate Ribbons: Products like AQUACEL® Extra™ or KALTOSTAT® conform to the wound base and absorb exudate while minimizing trauma during dressing changes.
- Biofilm-Targeting Dressings: Antimicrobial dressings such as SURGICAL® PHMB or Sorbact® Compress are designed to reduce bioburden and support granulation in hard-to-access wound cavities.
- Irrigation & Negative Pressure Kits: Devices like the Veraflo™ NPWT system combine negative pressure with instillation therapy, helping to cleanse and debride complex wounds more effectively.
These solutions—when used in conjunction with a structured assessment strategy—can significantly enhance outcomes in cavity wound care by reducing complications and supporting faster healing trajectories.