Preventing wound infections

Quantitative bacterial studies have demonstrated that successful wound closure and healing can be expected if fewer than 10(5) bacteria per gram of tissue are present. The aim of wound management techniques is to reduce bacterial counts. Among the techniques are pulsatile jet lavage, with or without mechanical debridement; the application of biologic dressings; meticulous hemostasis and evacuation of hematomas, and antimicrobial therapy.