ABSTRACT
Wound healing is a complex and dynamic biological process. In human adults, the normal response to injury across all organ systems typically results in fibrosis and scar formation. Fibrotic healing causes tissue dysfunction and its potential impact on patients is often underappreciated. This chapter describes the pathophysiology of wound healing, the types of healing and how to classify wounds. Platelet aggregation occurs once platelets become activated. Bone healing occurs in similar phases to those for skin but with some differences. A haematoma forms at the fracture site and there is an inflammatory response. Primary bone healing is a direct bone union process involving intramembranous ossification without callus formation. Various grading and scoring systems exist for specific conditions such as pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers.
