[Established and current procedures in wound healing]

Most chronic wounds are caused by arterial or venous vascular disease. Wound care is an interdisciplinary task and economic challenge. Numerous new wound dressings and treatment methods have been introduced recently. Basic research has enhanced our understanding of stimulation and inhibition of wound healing. Well-constructed clinical studies have shown some traditional approaches to be effective and others, less so. Successful wound healing requires treatment of the underlying disease as well as correction of local factors that may delay healing. The choice of dressings must be based on continuous re-assessment of the wound. Modern approaches for the most common types of chronic wounds, as well as options such as vacuum treatment and tissue-engineered skin are presented along with information on latest rules for reimbursement for wound care in Germany.