Sharp Debridement

Sharp debridement is now the mainstay of healing persistent wounds. However, a multicenter study demonstrated that weekly debridements caused wounds to heal faster and better. Frequent debridement of the wound makes more sense when we think of what causes the wound not to heal. Just like plaque develops on our teeth, a similar biofilm develops on the surface of persistent wound. Even though we brush our teeth and floss, twice a year it is necessary to go in and have the bacterial plaque removed from our teeth and gums at the dentist. What has been found through scientific studies is that if the bacterial buildup on the wounds is removed at least once a week, the wounds do much better. Also, there are living cells on the surface of the wound that become unable to respond to growth signals. If these are removed on a weekly basis, then the wound can respond faster to the products that are used to help heal the wound.