Wound healing in pre-tibial injuries - an observation study

Pre-tibial lacerations are complex wounds affecting a primarily aged population, with poor healing and a potentially
significant impact on social well-being. Management of these wounds has changed little in 20 years, despite
significant advances in wound care. A retrospective observational study was undertaken to observe current wound
care practice and to assess the effect of various medical factors on wound healing time on 24 elderly patients
throughout their wound journey. Wound length was found to be substantively and significantly associated with
wound healing time, with a reduction in instantaneous healing rate of about 30% for every increase of 1 cm
in wound length. Hence, longer wounds are associated with longer wound healing times. Prescription of several
categories of drugs, including those for ischaemic heart disease (IHD), hypertension, respiratory disease or asthma;
and the age of the patient were not significantly associated with wound healing times, although substantive
significance could be inferred in the case of prescription for IHD and asthma. Despite the small sample size,
this study identified a clear association between healing and length of wound. Neither the comorbidities nor
prescriptions explored showed any significant association although some seem to be more prevalent in this patient
group. The study also highlighted other issues that require further exploration including the social and economic
impact of these wounds.