Rivskador

Rivskador is a term used in medical Swedish to describe tears or lacerations of the skin or underlying tissues caused by trauma. They can range from small, superficial cuts to deeper wounds that involve fat, muscle, nerves, or vessels. The edges of rivskador are often irregular and may be accompanied by bleeding, swelling, and pain.

Causes of rivskador include blunt trauma such as falls or blows, as well as sharp injuries from glass, metal, knives, or tools. They commonly occur on exposed areas of the body like hands, fingers, shins, or the face, and can be associated with contamination from dirt or debris.

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on wound appearance, depth, and the involvement of surrounding structures. Assessment should include evaluation of distal sensation, movement, and blood flow. Imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, may be used if there is suspicion of a foreign body, fracture, or deeper tissue injury.

Management aims to control bleeding, prevent infection, and promote healing. Initial care includes gentle cleaning with saline, debridement of nonviable tissue if needed, and choosing an appropriate closure method. Small, clean rivskador may be managed with adhesive strips or sutures, while contaminated or large wounds often require wound exploration, drainage, and possibly delayed closure. Tetanus prophylaxis should be updated when indicated, and antibiotic therapy is considered for high-risk or contaminated wounds.

Complications can include infection, scarring, limited movement if joints are involved, and nerve or tendon injury. Prevention focuses on safety measures to avoid sharp trauma and the use of protective equipment during work and sports.