title: Debridement: development of the concept.
abstract: Debridement--the surgical excision of dead and contaminated tissue--is an important component of the management of open wounds and fractures. Key components in the evolution of modern technique of wound management were: wound extension to relieve pressure (akin to a modern day fasciotomy) (Pare, Desault, Larrey) antiseptic technique (Lister) and wound and contaminant excision (Pare, Desault, Larrey, Reyher). There has been confusion over the meaning and derivation of the term debridement.
authors.affiliation: Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Dalnair Street, Glasgow, G3 8SJ. jimhuntley@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: James S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Huntley
mesh_terms: D003646:Debridement; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery