Healing of a Cement Burn

By Christine Talbot, Lymphoedema, Bowen and Deep Oscillation Practitioner

 

 

On 11th March 2023, a self-employed, forty year old man sustained traumatic localised burns to both knees when kneeling scrying a concrete floor, he was unaware whilst working that the cement had breached his protective clothing until he removed his trousers later that day.

13.03.23

Initially Mr B thought he could manage the situation but it soon became apparent his burnt knees required medical attention.  He was seen at his local A&E where both knees were thoroughly irrigated, dressings were applied and secured with heavy padded bandaging,  Mr B was then referred on to a specialist local burns unit which he attended the following day.

The left knee with marked ascending erythema and discoloured, non-vascularised skin.

14.03.23

The traumatised knees were examined, assessed, cleaned and re dressed applying Flamazine cream and Flamazine impregnated gauze, with heavy padded protective bandaging over the top.  Mr B was advised it was likely at least one knee and possibly both requires skin grafts as there were areas of significant greyness indicating poor circulation to these areas with the probability of tissue necrosis.

Following the visit to the burns unit I received a call enquiring as to whether any of the machines and methodology I use might improve the present situation, photographs were sent.  I considered it was worth a try especially as being self-employed does not come with sick pay, for Mr B this was not a situation he could afford to be in, any complications with a skin graft could further interrupt and delay his ability to work.

 

Images taken at the burns unit, which clearly show cause for concern and the probable necessity for skin grafts.  The first image is of the left knee showing a significant area of erythema from around the burn and ascending towards the groin.

15.03.23. Treatment No 1.

Mr B presented with nasty raw looking burns to both knees, the left knee appeared worse with a deeper, darkish grey area toward the medial aspect which was thought to require a skin graft.  Both knees were very clean having been showered down before treatment.

The Quantum Wave Laser and the Magcell were directed to both knees to aid cellular healing and increase blood flow,  the laser and deep tissue oscillation were further administered to stimulate healing.  The affected areas responded well with evident shrinkage and sealing.  Flamazine cream applied on a Flamazine dressing, both knees padded well and compression bandaging applied.

Left knee before 1^st treatment. 

The whole burn looks very mucky, is pale in colour and appearance with worrying signs of infection around the inferior margin.

 

Left knee after 1^st treatment.  Treatment time overall sixty minutes.

Swelling reduction is evident and the burn appears to be re vascularised and brighter overall with red speckled profusion in the grey area on the medial knee.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Right knee before 1^st treatment.

The circumference surrounding the knee cap is very vascular and raw looking, it is interesting to note the relatively undamaged knee cap.  This might suggest the dominant leg was on a ninety degree bend for support more than the left during the scrying process, or the right knee protector was in part working.

 

Right knee after 1^st treatment

 

                                                                   17.03.23.  Treatment No 2.                                                                 

Both knees showed significant signs of healing and looked a lot less angry.  The treatment regime was repeated with further encouraging evidence of repair.

Mr B’s young daughter was keen to be her father’s nurse and was a dab hand at bandaging.  I find people who have horses are competent bandagers.  So I left her father in capable hands.

Mr B had a follow up appointment at the Burns Unit on the 16.03.23.  The staff were astounded by the healing process in such a short space of time and said his progress was three weeks ahead of what they would have expected.  Mr B was able to return to work at a desk within days of the incident and has made a rapid and full recovery.

 

Left knee before 2^nd treatment.                   

Still mucky in parts but areas of healing and repair are beginning to show through.

 

Left knee after 2^nd treatment

Burns do seem to respond very favourably to deep tissue oscillation and laser therapy.  The introduction of the Magcell further enhances the overall outcome.

 

Right knee before 2^nd treatment.

The knee is less angry in appearance,  the raw flesh less raised and the perimeter edge looks less deep between the burn and the undamaged flesh.

 

Right knee after 2^nd treatment

Clear evidence of healing and clear evidence of the unique combination of deep oscillation, quantum wave laser therapy and  high powered magnetic therapy.

 

13.07.2023

The final image. An excellent result without skin grafts..  I have suggested rubbing in high quality natural oils to further reduce scarring. I appreciate this is not a man thing.

 

When it comes to treating a cement burn on the knees, a multidimensional approach combining different therapies can be beneficial. The use of quantum laser therapy, Magcell, and deep oscillation each have unique properties that can address different aspects of the injury and promote healing. Here's how each therapy may contribute:

Quantum Laser Therapy:

1. Tissue regeneration: Quantum laser therapy can stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue regeneration, which is crucial for healing the burn and restoring damaged tissues.
2. Pain relief: The laser energy can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with the burn, providing relief and promoting improved comfort levels.
3. Accelerates healing: By increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the affected area, quantum laser therapy can accelerate the healing process, allowing the burn to heal more quickly.

Magcell Therapy:

1. Anti-inflammatory effects: Magcell therapy uses pulsating electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to stimulate cellular activity and reduce inflammation, which can be helpful in calming the inflammatory response associated with burns.
2. Improved circulation: By enhancing blood flow to the affected area, Magcell therapy can facilitate the delivery of necessary nutrients and oxygen, promoting healing and tissue repair.
3. Pain management: Magcell therapy has been found to have analgesic effects, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the burn.

Deep Oscillation Therapy:

1. Oedema reduction: Deep oscillation therapy can assist in reducing oedema and swelling, which may be present after a burn injury. This can help relieve pressure, alleviate discomfort, and support faster healing.
2. Wound healing: The mechanical vibrations produced by deep oscillation therapy have been shown to promote wound healing, enhance blood flow, and support tissue rejuvenation, aiding in the recovery process.

It's important to note that the specific treatment approach for a cement burn on the knees should be determined by healthcare professionals who can assess the severity of the injury and provide personalized recommendations. Consulting with a medical expert experienced in burns and wound care is crucial for proper evaluation and guidance on the suitable application of quantum laser therapy, Magcell, and deep oscillation.

Deep Oscillation Research in Burn and Wound Healing

       

Hernández Tápanes S. et al (2009): Value of deep oscillation therapy in the healing of AB burns, Cuban Journal of Physical Medicine &Rehabilitation RNPS 2244- FOLIO 148- ISSN 2078-7162 Rev Cub MFR v.2 n.1 City of La Havana Jan-June 2010.

Justyna A. Pogorzelska, Dominik Zaglaniczny, Anna Zmy?lna, Wojciech Kiebzak (2017): - Case report - Observation of deep oscillation usage and its effectiveness on burnscars Medical Studies/Studia Medyczne 2017; 33 (1): 46–50 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/