Basic Plastic Surgery for Orthopedic Surgeons

Abstract

Wounds are a common problem throughout the developing world, and closure options are often a source of confusion. The history for a wound should include the following: causative event, chronicity of the wound, clinical course, and current treatment as well as a history of diabetes, tobacco use, malnutrition, HIV, and tetanus immunization. Examination of the wound will determine if it is clean, healthy, infected, or necrotic. All infected and necrotic tissues need to be debrided and the infection under control before closure.