Degloving

A degloving injury is a specific type of avulsion that occurs when a considerable portion of skin is entirely separated from the underlying tissue, disconnecting its blood supply. The term "degloving" is derived by likening the condition to the removal of a glove.

File:Degloving and avulsion (Penile injury).jpg

Degloving and avulsion (Penile_injury)

Locations and Types

Degloving injuries commonly affect the extremities and limbs. Any degloving trauma that involves the head or torso has a high probability of being fatal due to the extensive damage to vital organs. However, facial degloving can be a controlled procedure used in plastic surgery, to access deeper tissues while preserving vital structures.

Treatment

The separated skin in a degloving injury is essentially lifeless and is managed similarly to a skin graft. Immediate treatment typically involves cleaning the wound and applying sterile dressings. Further medical attention often includes surgery to replace or repair the damaged skin and underlying structures.

Natural Occurrences

In the animal kingdom, some small mammals possess the ability to deglove parts of their bodies such as their tails, as a self-defense mechanism to evade capture. This ability is similar to the process of tail autotomy found in certain reptile species.

Prevention and Prognosis

Prevention of degloving injuries primarily involves taking safety precautions in environments where such injuries are likely to occur, such as work places with heavy machinery or during contact sports. The prognosis of these injuries depends on their severity and the promptness of treatment, but it can potentially lead to serious complications, including infection, necrosis, and loss of limb function.

References

• Dimitrios, A., Alexandros, K., Athanasios, Z., & Spiridon, M. (2005). Degloving Injury. European Journal of Trauma, 31(6), 593–6. doi:10.1007/s00068-005-1059-3
• Guide to treatment of degloving injuries in pet rats