Wound Healing and Tissue Repair - Dr. Natia Bolotashvili Introduction

Wound Healing Phases

• The proliferative phase is characterized by fibroblast activity and production of collagen.
• Vitamin C is required by fibroblasts to produce collagen during wound healing.

Inflammatory Phase

• Platelets play a crucial role in the inflammatory phase by releasing chemical signals that attract white blood cells to the wound site.
• Common symptoms associated with the inflammatory phase include pain, redness, swelling, and heat.
• Itching is NOT a common symptom associated with the inflammatory phase.

Proliferative Phase

• The initial wound tissue formed during the proliferative phase is known as granulation tissue.
• Capillary loops play a crucial role in wound healing during the proliferative phase by providing oxygen and nutrients to the wound site.

Remodelling Phase

• The main characteristic of the remodelling phase is the reorganization of collagen fibers to increase wound strength.
• Myofibroblasts are responsible for wound contraction during the remodelling phase.

Types of Wound Healing

• Atraumatic wound healing aims to reduce the inflammatory and proliferative responses.

Wound Healing Timeline

• Maximal tensile strength in a wound post-injury is typically achieved within 3-6 months.

Compartment Syndrome

• Compartment syndrome is indicated by a pressure level within muscles of greater than 30 mmHg.

Pressure Sores

• The defining characteristic of pressure sores is tissue damage caused by constant pressure and lack of movement.