Time May Not Heal All Wounds

Everyone has heard that time heals all wounds, but the truth is that without advanced therapies, some wounds can take months and even years to heal. This is especially true of injuries sustained from electrical and chemical burns. Occupational therapy and wound care can be very successful in managing many types of work-related burn injuries, but there are other options if a more advanced healing approach is required.

Wound Healing Centers have been established by many hospitals throughout the country. They provide a team of specially-trained physicians, nurses and therapists that offers a unique, multidisciplinary approach to treating non-healing wounds. The Saint Joseph Wound Healing Center was established to provide advanced treatment for chronic, non-healing wounds. They are trained in the latest therapeutic methods in wound management to deal with wounds that have not responded to traditional means of healing. It is the largest in the state of Indiana with 2 hyperbaric chambers and 12 patient rooms. Among the many advanced treatment options available is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a safe, painless procedure that has been proven to effectively treat many kinds of wounds, including burns.

The hand surgeons at The Centre for Working Hands are participating surgeons at the Saint Joseph Wound Healing Center. Ronald K. Downs, MD, FACS and Patrick Viscardi, MD recently completed advanced training in wound healing and hyperbaric with the National Healing Institute at Ohio State University.

Dr. Downs and Dr. Viscardi provide the Wound Healing Center with medical evaluations and advanced treatment options to patients who suffer from non-healing wounds. These include diabetic ulcers, vascular insufficiency, gangrene/necrosis, post-surgical infection, burns, crush injuries and many more.

“As hand surgeons, both Dr. Viscardi and I often assist patients with hand reconstructive procedures related to non-healing wounds,” said Dr. Downs. “This additional training allows us to make a commitment to the Wound Healing Center so we can help more people overcome these frustrating, often painful conditions. Dr. Viscardi and I are proud to be part of the only wound clinic in our community, and we look forward to reaching more patients in Michiana.”