Risswunde

Risswunde, commonly translated as a laceration, is a wound characterized by an irregular, tearing injury to the skin and often underlying soft tissue. Unlike clean incised wounds produced by a blade, a risswunde typically results from blunt trauma that causes tearing, crushing, or avulsion, leaving ragged edges and variable tissue loss. They may involve nerves, vessels, or tendons depending on depth and location.

Risswunden occur in everyday accidents, falls, or crush injuries, and are frequent in emergency settings. Bleeding is common and may be heavy in vascular areas. Pain and swelling are typical. Inspect for foreign bodies, tissue loss, or exposure of deeper structures. Assess tetanus vaccination status and signs of infection; imaging is used if a foreign body or deep injury is suspected.

Management depends on depth and contamination. Initial care includes stopping bleeding, cleansing with saline, and removing nonviable tissue (debridement) if necessary. Wounds may be closed with sutures, staples, adhesive strips, or left open to heal, depending on infection risk, location, and timing. Antibiotics are not routinely required but may be used for heavily contaminated wounds, bites, or immunocompromised patients. Tetanus prophylaxis should be updated if needed. Pain control and proper wound dressing are important.

With proper care, small risswunden heal with minimal scarring; deeper injuries may result in scarring, functional impairment, or nerve damage. Complications include infection, wound dehiscence, and delayed healing, especially in dirty wounds or delays in treatment.

Prevention focuses on safety measures to avoid blunt trauma, such as protective gear, careful handling of sharp objects, prompt cleanup of wounds, and timely tetanus vaccination.