Laceration management.
In 1996, almost 11 million lacerations were treated in emergency departments throughout the United States. Although most lacerations heal without sequelae regardless of management, mismanagement may result in wound infections, prolonged convalescence, unsightly and dysfunctional scars, and, rarely, mortality. The goals of wound management are simple: avoid infection and achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing scar. Recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of tissue adhesives has significantly expanded clinicians' wound closure options and improved patient care. We review the general principles of wound care and expand on the use of tissue adhesives for laceration repair.
Hollander
J E
JE
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. jholland@mail.med.upenn.edu
Singer
A J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014945:Wound Healing; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D013745:Tetanus Toxoid; D014014:Tissue Adhesives