Lacerations

What are lacerations?

A laceration is a cut that goes through your skin. Lacerations may be caused by any sharp object or a sports or traumatic injury. In many cases, lacerations cause a jagged wound that’s challenging to treat.

Your laceration may only tear the skin or it can go deeper, cutting through the connective tissues and essential structures like tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. 

When should I see a doctor for laceration treatment?

If you have any questions about your wound, call Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center. They can ask a few questions, quickly assess your laceration, and determine if you need immediate medical attention.

You should get help if your laceration doesn’t heal, you develop signs of an infection (redness, swelling, pus), or have any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding that won’t stop (after applying pressure for about five minutes)
• Wide, gaping wound
• Deep wound (more than one-quarter of an inch deep)
• Jagged or uneven edges
• Dirt or debris in the wound (even after you clean it)
• Sensations of tingling or numbness
• Numbness or loss of feeling
• Lacerations caused by a stabbing
• Exposed muscle, tendons, bone, or fat
• Inability to bend your fingers, toes, or joints

If your laceration cuts through muscles, ligaments, or tendons, you should seek prompt medical care to ensure you maintain optimal strength and function.

When might a laceration affect a tendon?

Lacerations can easily cut tendons that are close to the skin’s surface. The most vulnerable tendons control hand and foot movement. These tendons are on the palm side of your wrist, hand, fingers, and forearm, and the top of your foot. 

Tendon injuries require medical care to be sure they heal properly. If you suffer a complete tear, you may need surgery to repair the tendon and align the two ends so they can fully heal.

How are lacerations treated?

The treatment you need depends on the severity of the laceration. However, your provider always begins by stopping any bleeding and cleaning the wound.

They may give you anesthesia before cleaning a severe, deep, or dirty wound. It’s essential to eliminate any debris that can cause an infection and remove torn skin edges. You need anesthesia to prevent pain during the procedure.

If your laceration partially or completely cuts muscles, tendons, or ligaments, your provider may immobilize the area with a splint or recommend surgery to repair the tissues.

To get prompt care for a laceration, call Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center’s Fast-Track Clinic, where they offer same-day visits for acute injuries. You can also call or book an appointment online.