Wound Classification and Assessment

Study Notes

There is no standard classification system for wounds that encompasses all aspects for every clinical scenario.
Multiple classification systems are used, often combining descriptors from various systems to accurately characterize a specific wound.
One classification system categorizes surgical wounds based on the degree of bacterial contamination at the time of surgery, using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Surgical Wound Classification.

Wound management depends on the timing and mechanism of the injury, as well as factors influencing healing.
Adequate analgesia or a local anesthetic block should be administered before palpating a wound.
Clinical judgment plays a crucial role in wound management.
Debridement is essential to remove devitalized tissue and foreign material from the wound.
Thorough debridement involves excising non-viable tissue until healthy bleeding occurs at the wound edges.
Surgical Debridement is a technique used for removing devitalised tissue.
Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a technique employed for wound management.

There are no standardized wound classification systems that encompass every relevant characteristic for different clinical situations.
Various classification systems are used.
More than one descriptor from different systems might be needed to accurately define a wound.

Wound management is guided by the timing and mechanism of injury, and factors influencing wound healing.
Analgesia or local anaesthetic block is recommended before palpating a wound.
Clinical judgment is important for wound management.
Debridement, removing devitalized tissue and foreign material from the wound, is essential.