Pathophysiology of wound healing

Normal wound healing involves a complex and dynamic but superbly orchestrated series of events leading to the repair of injured tissues. Acute wounds normally heal in a very orderly and efficient manner characterized by four distinct, but overlapping phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. Specific biological markers characterize healing of acute wounds. Likewise, unique biologic markers also characterize pathologic responses resulting in fibrosis and chronic non-healing ulcers. As we continue to develop new information about the unique biological markers associated with normal and pathologic wound healing responses, the better prepared we will be to develop new strategies to treat these costly clinical problems. In addition, understanding this basic biological information will allow wound care specialists greater insight into the importance of how their skills can impact the healing response.