CHAPTER35 - Methods of Wound Closure

592 Once the decision to close a wound has been made, the clinician must select the closure technique best suited for the location and configuration of the wound. The most commonly used techniques include use of tape, tissue adhesive, metal staples, and sutures. All traumatic wounds should be cleaned, and wounds containing devitalized tissue should be débrided before closure (see Chapter 34, Principles of Wound Management). Self-inflicted wounds can present to the emergency department (ED) with a vague or inaccurate history. Characteristic self-mutilation patterns are depicted in Figure 35–1. No specific treatment is required other than recognizing these patterns of injury