Wound Healing & Limb Preservation
Most wounds heal with a bandage and time but some wounds - chronic wounds - don’t heal, and can lead to serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and loss of limbs.
Approximately five million Americans have chronic wounds, defined as wounds that have not healed within six to eight weeks of treatment. Chronic wounds are usually caused by conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, constant pressure, poor hygiene, or chronic osteomyelitis. About 10 to 15 percent of people with diabetes develop chronic wounds. Chronic wounds are most common in older and disabled patients. Other conditions which contribute to chronic wounds are obesity, anemia, malnourishment, and radiation therapy.
The Cooper Institute for Wound Healing and Limb Preservation provides teambased, continuous care for people with chronic wounds. The institute uses a holistic approach, considering the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of health.
Non-Healing Wounds
The Cooper Institute of Wound Healing and Limb Preservation is committed to treating the many men and women in southern New Jersey who suffer from chronic, non-healing wounds. Chronic wounds can be defined as those that fail to heal within 6 to 8 weeks under traditional treatment. Such wounds are most frequently seen in patients suffering from diabetes, poor blood circulation, leg ulcers, or bed sores. However, other conditions such as obesity, anemia, kidney problems, steroid use, aging, smoking, exposure to radiation, or underlying infection can contribute to the problem.
Wound Care Specialists
The Institute is proud of its important role as southern New Jersey’s premier source for the expert evaluation and treatment of chronic and complex wounds. Working in close cooperation with referring physicians, the Institute offers the most up-to-date treatment available anywhere. The Cooper wound care team is equipped to respond promptly to the needs of patients. An effective treatment program can often be implemented within days of the initial consultation.
Multi-Disciplinary Team
Cooper’s wound care team is comprised of an out-standing group of experienced physicians and other medical professionals from a variety of disciplines. It includes wound and burn surgeons, vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, podiatric surgeons, and internal medicine physicians. Also included are nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and nutritionists. This means that each case is reviewed by experienced specialists who can offer the very latest options for successfully treating the non-healing wound.
Thorough Evaluation
The first step in developing an effective treatment program is a complete assessment of the patient’s condition. This includes a thorough review of the patient’s health history, as well as any blood or other specialized tests that are needed. The Institute is equipped to provide state-of-the-art care for all types of chronic and complex wounds, including burns and diabetic wounds. In every case, the exact nature of the problem is carefully diagnosed and contributing factors taken into consideration. During this process, the wound is precisely measured so that its responsiveness to treatment can be accurately documented.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
Cooper’s wound care specialists provide a full range of both non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical options include gels and ointments to keep the wound clean and moist, promote new tissue growth, and eliminate both bacteria and odor. It also includes pain management of non-closing wounds. Surgical options include new techniques for muscle flap closure of the wound, skin grafting, Blaminate skin substitutes, and debridement with cellular therapy.
A Holistic Approach
The wound care team takes a holistic approach that considers the social and psychological factors that contribute to the problem of non-healing wounds. For example, they assist patients with issues such as depression, frustration, and anxiety. They also counsel caregivers about proper nutrition, the proper way to dress wounds, and the practical steps required to ensure proper blood circulation to affected areas. If appropriate, physical and/or occupational therapy can also be arranged.
Continuity of Care
The Cooper Institute for Wound Healing and Limb Preservation places heavy emphasis on providing continuous care through every aspect of the patient’s treatment. Each individual’s progress is carefully monitored at all times during the healing process. The staff remains in close contact with patients whether they are in the hospital, in a nursing facility, or undergoing treatment as an outpatient.
Insurance Coverage
The treatment provided by the Institute is covered by many health insurance plans. Financial counselors are available to answer questions about the program, referrals, and fees. Inquiries are invited and treated courteously. For more information or to arrange an appointment, call 1-888-33-WOUND (1-888-339-6863).
Symptoms of Non-Healing Wounds
Non-healing wounds can be a serious problem. If not treated successfully, they can lead to illness, loss of a limb, or even life-threatening infection. That’s why it is important to be aware of the warning signs that include….
- Persistent, increased pain in the area of the wound
- Discoloration - frequently a dark or bluish color - located near the borders of the wound
- Increased drainage from the wound
- Failure of the wound to heal in 6 to 8 weeks, despite conventional wound care
Fortunately, help is available. The Cooper Center for Wound Healing and Limb Preservation has the special expertise to care for chronic and complex wounds. It can provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services and treatment options that are designed to succeed in cases where traditional methods may have failed.
To make an appointment with a Cooper University Hospital physician at an office near you, please contact one of the offices below or call 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.
Cooper Center for Wound Healing
Bunker Hill Plaza
Four Plaza Drive
Hurffville-Crosskeys Road
Sewell, New Jersey 08080
Phone (888) 33-WOUND / (888) 339-6863
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