Publications by authors named "Marialuisa De Francesco"

A retrospective study were presented to compare functional and cosmetic outcomes in relation to local flap reconstruction or fingertip replantation in cases of zones I and II amputation. Outcomes were evaluated using Semmens Weinstein monofilament, Weber DiskCriminator, total active motion (TAM) assessment and Michigan Hand Questionnaire after a 1-year follow-up.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Wound bed preparation is an important concept in clinical practice and is related to adequate debridement. The use of proteolytic enzymes is an established method of enzymatic wound debridement, especially in hard-to-heal ulcers that are unresponsive to normal healing procedures and progress. The TIME framework (tissue, inflammation/infection, moisture balance, and edge of wound) offers an appropriate strategy to eliminate resistance to healing, as well as maximizing the healing process.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Complete extension of the thumb and activation of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon are fundamental to ensure maximum function. Many EPL repair techniques are described in the literature.

Methods: The authors present an alternative technique using the brachioradialis (BR) tendon.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Distal Phalanx (DP) fractures are the most common hand injuries. Bone fixation associated with soft tissue reconstruction, is often required to ensure more effective outcomes. The aim of the present study is to compare functional outcomes of DP fractures surgically treated with crossed manual drilled 23 Gauge needles vs crossed Kirschner-wires (k-wire).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Artificial dermal substitutes (DSs) are fundamental in physiological wound healing to ensure consistent and enduring wound closure and provide a suitable scaffold to repair tissue. We compared the clinical and histological features of two DSs, Pelnac and Integra, in the treatment of traumatic and iatrogenic skin defects.

Methods: This prospective observational study involved 71 randomly selected patients from our hospital.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF