Skin avulsion injuries caused by the application of adhesive drapes during total knee arthroplasty: A case report

RATIONALE: The use of adhesive drapes has decreased the incidence of surgical-site infections. PATIENT CONCERNS: Despite the obvious benefits of the proper use of drapes, there remain many potential risks. DIAGNOSE: A 66-year-old man with a history of left knee osteoarthritis and varus deformity underwent total knee arthroplasty at our hospital, upon removal of the adhesive drape by delicate peeling and warm saline lavage, a large area of the skin avulsion happened. INTERVENTIONS: A standardized set of care measures were applied to the wound to avoid wound infection. OUTCOMES: After 6 weeks of treatment, the avulsed wound showed no signs of infection and had undergone re-epithelialization. LESSONS: Individuals with high-risk skin avulsion injuries should be provided with preventive measures and the necessity of continuous application of adhesive drapes should be further studied.