Methods and Materials for Wound Management

Rumor, myth, and unsubstantiated opinion have guided wound management since our forebearers achieved upright ambulation. The past decade has seen discovery of specific substances and pathways that initiate, control, and terminate healing. The roles of oxygen, nutrition, and growth factors are rapidly revealing themselves to wound healing researchers, and a scientific basis for wound management is emerging. Although the healing process still harbors much mystery, we know enough to improve our methods of wound management. We can now pick from a variety of tools for surgical incision. Scientific studies help in the choice of sutures, needles, and needle holders, as well as alternative closure methods and materials. Natural and synthetic tissue adhesives vie with staples and tapes for use in wound repair. Dressing materials may be active, passive, selectively interactive, or inert. Wound management can be changed to meet changing wound needs, with dressings as diverse as hydrocollolds, silicone gels, and amino acids. We have new ways of Improving hypertrophic scarring and practical hopes for its prevention. This article offers a summary of currently available methods and materials for wound management, along with the scientific information that supports and guides their use.