Fast and complete healing of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is challenging due to the hostile wound healing environment of the diabetic patients. As a part of a multimodal treatment approach, advanced dressing material using hyaluronic acid (HA) has been found to be effective. However, previous studies have used HA with additional biologics, which interferes in determining the true clinical effect of HA in DFU. To examine the sole effectiveness of HA in DFU treatment, a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center study was conducted using an HA dressing without additional substances. Thus, 34 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups (the study group: HA dressing material; the control group: conventional dressing material). During the 12-week study period, complete ulcer healing rate was evaluated as a primary endpoint. Additionally, healing velocity and the mean duration for achieving a 50% ulcer size reduction was compared between the two groups as a secondary endpoint. At the end of the study, the study group presented a significantly higher complete healing rate as compared to that in the control group [84.6% (11/13), 41.6% (5/12), respectively, P = 0.041]. Additionally, faster ulcer healing velocity and shorter mean duration for achieving a 50% ulcer size reduction were observed in the study group (P = 0.022 and 0.004, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the median time for 50% ulcer healing rate also showed a significantly shorter duration in the study group (21 days vs. 39 days, P = 0.0127). Finally, there were no adverse events related to the dressing materials used in the study. As a major component of the extracellular matrix, this study supports the safety and efficacy of a pure HA dressing without additional substances in treating DFU.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of ulnar nerve stability-based surgery via a small incision with those of classic anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome.MethodsFrom March 2008 to December 2013, 107 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome underwent simple decompression or anterior transposition via a small incision, according to an ulnar nerve stability-based decision based on an assessment of intraoperative ulnar nerve stability (group A, n = 51), or anterior transposition via a classic incision (group B, n = 56). Clinical outcome was assessed using grip and pinch strength, two-point discrimination, the mean of the disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) survey, and the modified Bishop scale.ResultsAt the final follow-up, all outcome measures improved significantly in both groups and there were no significant differences between the two groups. However, there were fewer operation-related complications in group A (one revision surgery) than in group B (one superficial infection, two painful scars, and five cases of numbness at the medial elbow).ConclusionsOutcomes after the ulnar nerve stability-based approach and anterior transposition were similar, although more patients experienced operation-related complications after anterior transposition via a classic incision. Making an ulnar nerve stability-based decision to perform either simple decompression or anterior transposition via a small incision seems to be a better strategy for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.

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