title: Principles of basic wound evaluation and management in the emergency department.
abstract: The primary objectives of basic wound management center around promoting optimal wound healing and cosmesis. These objectives may be achieved through the systematic assessment, preparation, and repair of the laceration supplemented with appropriate patient care instructions. The meticulous and methodical management of traumatic wounds described in this article will assist the emergency physician in decreasing overall complication rates and help improve patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Bldg. 9040, Fitzsimmons Drive, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA.
authors.forename: Ryan H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: DeBoard
authors.forename: Dawn F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Rondeau
authors.forename: Christopher S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sabbaj
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: McManus
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D003646:Debridement; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013742:Tetanus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000628:therapy*