Sårtype

Sårtype is a Swedish term used in medical practice to describe the classification of wounds. In clinical settings, identifying the wound type helps guide prognosis, risk of complications, and treatment decisions. Wound type is evaluated together with tissue viability, infection status, and patient-specific factors.

Wounds can be categorized by etiology: incised wounds from sharp instruments; lacerations with jagged edges; puncture wounds; abrasions; and avulsions in which tissue is torn away. Burns are classified by depth and mechanism. Surgical wounds are further described by wound classification schemes such as clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, and dirty/infected, reflecting exposure to contaminants and anticipated healing risk.

Wounds are also described by tissue viability: necrotic (dead tissue), sloughy (dead tissue softened but attached), granulating (new tissue forming), and epithelializing (surface resurfacing). By healing trajectory, wounds can be acute, expected to heal promptly, or chronic, failing to progress over time. Common chronic wound types include venous leg ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure injuries.

Assessment involves measuring size and depth, noting wound edges, exudate, color, and odor, and screening for infection. The management of sårtype depends on etiology and stage, and may include debridement, wound bed preparation, moisture balance, infection control, pressure relief, edema management, and optimization of comorbid conditions to support healing.