Silverlon® Tubular Stretch Knit made by Argentum Medical, LLC., is an autocatalytic silver plated knit dressing developed specifically for use on digits. Our burn center reports the effectiveness of Silverlon® Stretch Knit, a relatively new dressing in a clinical setting.

Over a 16 month period, we applied Silverlon® Tubular Stretch Knit to 22 patients (adult and pediatric). These dressings were predominately used on split thickness skin grafts, however it was also used on partial thickness burns over hands and feet with positive results being noted. Conventional wraps can be tedious and challenging for the care provider. Due to the fragility of the fresh skin grafts, shearing during application of dressings is a risk. Application of the Silverlon® Stretch Knit involves slipping the knitting over the digits followed by a moist outer gauze covering. Once this is completed a compression dressing is added. The apertures in the Silverlon® allow visualization of the underlying graft to ensure there has been no shearing. The gentle elasticity holds the dressing in place and protects the grafts as they are being wrapped with the outer gauze covering. No complications related to shearing or infection in the underlying wound bed was noted in any of the patients.

A previous in-vitro study, found the Silverlon® Tubular Stretch Knit to be an effective antimicrobial in an environment heavily contaminated with both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We have found Silverlon® Tubular Stretch Knit’s ease of use coupled with its antimicrobial properties make it a practical choice for dressing STSG on hands and digits.