Background: Given appropriate case selection and capability, many acute lacerations can be managed in the primary care setting. An understanding of the basic pathophysiology, assessment and management principles is essential.
Objective: The aim of this article is to provide a basic framework for assessing and managing simple acute lacerations.
Discussion: The aim of assessment is initially to decide whether the laceration is suitable for office-based treatment, and then whether it requires formal surgical closure with sutures or staples. Two non-surgical techniques for skin closure in amenable wounds are described. A companion article in this issue provides details of surgical closure techniques and wound aftercare.