Closure of wounds is divided into three\u00a0major categories: closure by primary intent, closure by secondary intent, and closure by\u00a0tertiary intent.<\/p>\n
(1) Closure by primary intent<\/span>. A wound which is repaired without delay after\u00a0the injury is the definition of wound closure by primary intent. Such closure prevents the\u00a0formation of granulation tissue and yields the fastest healing with the best cosmetic\u00a0result. Closure by primary intent is the treatment of choice for a wound that is not\u00a0infected or grossly contaminated. Closing the wound soon after the injury is important.\u00a0The longer the time between injury and wound closure, the more bacteria can multiply.<\/p>\n Most lacerations should be closed within eight hours from the time of injury. If the\u00a0patient is debilitated, has poor circulation, has laceration due to crushing injuries, or is\u00a0grossly contaminated, wound closure should be performed within four hours.<\/p>\n (2) Closure by secondary intent<\/span>. Here the wound is allowed to granulate on\u00a0its own without surgical closure. The tissue is cleaned and dressed as usual, and the\u00a0wound is covered with a sterile dressing. This is the procedure of choice for closing\u00a0certain defects such as finger amputation and partial-thickness tissue loss. In the case\u00a0of finger amputations, this type of closure usually gives better cosmetic and functional\u00a0results.<\/p>\n (3) Closure by tertiary intent<\/span>. This is delayed primary closure. The wound is\u00a0initially cleaned and dressed as in secondary intent. The patient returns in three to four\u00a0days for definitive closure. This is the procedure of choice for contaminated lacerations\u00a0that would leave unacceptable scars if not closed. Examples of lacerations are\u00a0mammalian bites, contaminated crush-lacerations, and cases when the patient delayed\u00a0too long for treatment to close primarily.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Closure of wounds is divided into three\u00a0major categories: closure by primary intent, closure by secondary intent, and closure by\u00a0tertiary intent. (1) Closure by primary intent. A wound which is repaired without delay after\u00a0the injury is the definition of wound closure by primary intent. Such closure prevents the\u00a0formation of granulation tissue and yields the fastest healing … Continue reading 2-6. BASIC LACERATION REPAIR: A. Categories of Wound Closure.<\/span>