Ultraviolet light C in promoting rapid healing of delayed wound union: A case report()

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The purpose of this case is to present a useful phototherapy for rapid healing of recalcitrant postoperative wound disunion due to implantation of allogeneic bone and metal. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case, a middle-aged man was diagnosed as complex fracture of the left tibial plateau which caused movement loss, swelling and pain of the left knee. The patient's wound disunion was still present after been surgery for 26 days, with yellowish liquid persistently oozing out of the wound after several wound dressing. We treated the postoperative wound with ultraviolet light C (UVC) to promote wound healing. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Incision disunion is a common complication of surgery, which increases patients' hospital days. Prevention and treatment of wound disunion is one of the key considerations for perioperative management. CONCLUSION: During 3-day consecutive UVC treatment, the yellowish wound exudate gradually reduced and disappeared. Subsequently, the non-healing postoperative wound scared over and healed rapidly. As a convenient, non-invasive, non-polluting and effectively physical therapy, UVC can promote rapid healing of recalcitrant wound disunion caused by implants in complex tibial plateau fracture.