Wound, Wound Healing and Closure Part 1

Wound

Loss of continuity of the structure of the body resulting from an injury

Wound Healing

Re-establishment of tissue continuity through well orchestrated cellular and biochemical events

Incisional Wound

Made by a sharp object that cleanly divides the tissue

Laceration Wound

Caused by blunt trauma that tears tissue

Abrasion Wound

Result from scraping or friction on the skin (epidermis only)

Puncture Wound

Caused by sharp or blunt objects that are deep but have insignificant opening

Penetration Wound

Wound that communicates with body cavities

Perforating Wound

Deep wound having two openings (entrance and exit)

Contusion

Bleeding under the skin from damaged blood vessels; minor bruise with flat discolored patch

Hematoma

Larger localized pool of clotted blood that forms a distinct lump

Clean Wound

Standard surgical wound with no contamination

Clean-contaminated Wound

Clean wounds contaminated by entry into a viscus with minimal spillage of contents

Contaminated Wound

Fresh open traumatic wounds, lacerations, fractures, gross GI spillage; within 6 hours can become infected

Dirty-infected Wound

Caused by perforated viscera, abscesses, or prior clinical infection

Common Causes of Wounds

Surgery, trauma, neoplasia, topical medications, infection, chemicals, excessive temperatures, irradiation

Golden Period for Primary Closure

6–8 hours post-injury (guideline; location and contamination level more critical)

Dead Space

Open area in closed tissue filled with room air preventing tissue apposition and providing space for fluid and microorganisms

Open Wounds

Incisional, laceration, abrasion, puncture, penetration, perforating

Closed Wounds

Contusion and hematoma