Reevaluating the ‘Golden Period’ in Traumatic Laceration Repair
Traditionally, the “golden period” for primary closure of traumatic lacerations has been considered to be within 6 to 8 hours post-injury, based on early 20th-century animal studies. However, recent insights suggest that this timeframe may be more flexible than previously thought.
Key Insights:
- Extended Closure Window: Emerging evidence indicates that clean lacerations, especially on the face, may be safely closed up to 24 hours after injury in healthy individuals.
- Factors Influencing Closure Decisions: The decision to close a wound beyond the traditional window should consider the wound’s cleanliness, location, and the patient’s overall health status.
- Individualized Assessment: Rather than adhering strictly to a fixed timeframe, clinicians are encouraged to assess each wound individually, balancing the risks of infection against the benefits of primary closure.
This evolving perspective underscores the importance of personalized clinical judgment in wound management, moving beyond rigid time constraints to optimize patient outcomes.
Read the full article on the Clinical Advisor website.
Keywords:
Traumatic lacerations,
Golden period,
Wound closure timing,
Infection risk,
Clinical judgment