Tidy vs Untidy wound Type of wound Characteristic Examples Healing Tidy wound Incised, Clean, no tissue loss Surgical incision, Stab, Cuts Primary intention Untidy wounds Irregular, tissue loss, devitalized tissue, contaminated Crush, Avulsion/Degloving, Burn Secondary intention Open wounds The skin…
Excess healing Description Excessive scarring Excess proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen due to dysregulation of the proliferative and maturation stage Hypertrophic scar Excess proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen leading to a raised scar that does not grow beyond the boundaries…
Overview There are 2 major types of abnormal wound healing: impaired wound healing and delayed wound healing Impaired vs Delayed wound healing Abnormal healing Description Cause Delayed healing Though at a slower rate of healing, the wound ultimately achieves mechanical…
Healing of Bones Healing of bones resembles dermal healing with some notable differences and specific terms. Phase Process Nota bene Hematoma and Inflammation Accumulation of blood, devitalized soft tissue, dead bone and necrotic marrow at the fracture site → Breakdown…
Overview Knowing the physiology and pathology behind wounds is important in surgery since it is a specialty that primarily deals with wounds. Term Definition Wound A break in the integrity of skin or tissue, often associated with disruption of structure…
Paediatric Burns Additional measures when treating burns in children should be considered since their anatomy and physiology is different compared to adults. In addition, children may have special psychososcial and educational needs when it comes to burns. Majority of burns…
Pre-Hospital Treatment and First Aid Outpatient management Outpatient management is reserved for burns that cover <10% BSA (<5% in children and elderly) and no third-degree burns. Treatment involves disinfection, dressing, and pain management. Inpatient observation overnight is recommended for patients…
Overview The severity of burns can be assessed by determining the size, depth, site, inhalation injuries, and other injuries. Size (Extent) The seize of a burn is estimated as a percentage (%) of total body surface area (TBSA). Knowing the…
Overview A burn is defined as the response of the skin, mucous membrane, and subcutaneous tissues to thermal and other few non-thermal injuries. Treatment of burns is complex (hence the need for specialised burn centres), and depends on the site…
General principles of head injury Scalp The Scalp is very vascular and bleeds a lot (messy, but rarely causes shock). The patient’s Hx is very important in making the differentials for a head injury. Monroe-Kellie Doctrine The Monroe-Kellie Doctrine states…
