Knowra Laceration Laceration A laceration is a tear in skin or other tissue, commonly caused by blunt force or a sharp object. Its depth and damage to underlying structures determine its severity.
Wound healing : The biological process by which damaged tissue is repaired and its function restored. Lacerations heal through overlapping stages of inflammation, tissue growth, and remodeling.
Wound assessment : The examination of a wound to determine its extent, cause, and treatment needs. Assessment identifies laceration depth, contamination, and injury to underlying structures.
Abrasion : A superficial scrape in which friction removes or damages the outer layers of skin. Unlike a laceration, an abrasion usually removes surface tissue rather than splitting it.
Wound infection : The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in a wound, causing tissue damage or an inflammatory response. Bacteria introduced into a laceration can interfere with healing and spread into surrounding tissue.
Hemostasis : The process that stops bleeding through blood-vessel constriction, platelet activity, and clot formation. Clotting limits blood loss while a laceration begins to heal.
Wound irrigation : The flushing of a wound with fluid to remove debris and reduce contamination. Irrigation cleans a laceration before closure or further treatment.
Incision : A clean, deliberate cut made in tissue, usually with a sharp instrument. A laceration often has irregular, torn edges, whereas an incision is typically cleaner.
Nerve injury : Damage to a nerve that disrupts sensation, movement, or other functions. A deep laceration can cut nerves beneath the skin and cause numbness or weakness.
Collagen : A family of structural proteins that provides strength to connective tissues, including skin. New collagen helps restore strength but can leave a scar.
Wound closure : The approximation of wound edges by sutures, adhesives, staples, or other methods. Closing selected lacerations can support healing and improve alignment of the edges.
Show all 22