A laceration is a wound that results from tears in soft tissue. A lacerated wound is irregular and jagged and may become infected with debris and bacteria. There is usually a separation of the connective tissue but still with intact skin on both sides. It is usually caused by a sharp object.
Lacerations may have bleeding, pain, tenderness, swelling and other inflammatory symptoms. A deeper cut may reveal bone, muscles or fats. There may also be numbness around the wound.
Lacerations may look like a cut, a tear, or a gash.
DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor will ask about your medical history, when the laceration happened, how it happened, if you have any numbness or weakness etc. Your doctor may also ask about your pre-existing illnesses and will do a physical exam.
The physical exam may involve looking at the wound, separating its edges, testing muscle and nerve function, checking for other objects in the wound, and checking overall condition. An x-ray may be done if there is a suspicion of fracture.
MEDICATIONS/TREATMENT
Laceration bleeding should be stopped by applying direct pressure or tourniquets. Pain medicines may be given. Cleaning of the wound should be done. Cuts may be closed by adhesive tapes or stitches (if deep). Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection and tetanus shots may also be administered.
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