Wound Management

The primary purpose of wound management is to create an optimal environment for the body to form an aesthetically pleasing and functional scar. The majority of wounds are treated with primary closure (ie, closure at the time of presentation). This review discusses the essential steps of laceration management, including patient and wound assessment, tissue preparation, decontamination and débridement, techniques of skin closure, and wound aftercare. This is presented as assessment and stabilization, treatment and disposition, and outcomes of wound management. Figures include illustrations of the anatomy of the skin and an ear field block; illustrations of multiple techniques (simple suture, running suture, horizontal and vertical mattress, deep dermal suture, and tissue adhesive); and photographs showing examples of the stapling technique and the tissue adhesive combined with surgical tape technique. Tables list tetanus prophylaxis recommendations, summaries of the commonly used local anesthetics, suture characteristics, wounds recommended for specialist consultation, and suture removal times based on the anatomic site. This review contains 9 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 1