Laceration Health Dictionary

The escape of blood from any of the blood vessels, normally in response to some trauma, or as a result of a clotting disorder such as HAEMOPHILIA. The bleeding may be external – for example, following a skin laceration; or it may be internal – for example, haematemesis (bleeding into the stomach), haemoptysis (bleeding from the lungs), or haematuria (bleeding from the kidneys or urinary tract). For more information about these conditions, see separate entries.

Bleeding into or around the brain is a major concern following serious head injuries, or in newborn infants following a di?cult labour. Haemorrhage is classi?ed as arterial – the most serious type, in which the blood is bright red and appears in spurts (in severe cases the patient may bleed to death within a few minutes); venous – less serious (unless from torn varicose veins) and easily checked, in which the blood is dark and wells up gradually into the wound; and capillary, in which the blood slowly oozes out of the surface of the wound and soon stops spontaneously. Haemorrhage is also classi?ed as primary, reactionary, and secondary (see WOUNDS). Severe haemorrhage causes SHOCK and ANAEMIA, and blood TRANSFUSION is often required.

When a small artery is cut across, the bleeding stops in consequence of changes in the wall of the artery on the one hand, and in the constitution of the blood on the other. Every artery is surrounded by a ?brous sheath, and when cut, the vessel retracts some little distance within this sheath and a blood clot forms, blocking the open end (see COAGULATION). When a major blood vessel is torn, such spontaneous closure may be impossible and surgery is required to stop the bleeding.

Three main principles are applicable in the control of a severe external haemorrhage: (a) direct pressure on the bleeding point or points;

(b) elevation of the wounded part; (c) pressure on the main artery of supply to the part.

Control of internal haemorrhage is more dif?cult than that of external bleeding. First-aid measures should be taken while professional help is sought. The patient should be laid down with legs raised, and he or she should be reassured and kept warm. The mouth may be kept moist but no ?uids should be given. (See APPENDIX 1: BASIC FIRST AID.)... haemorrhage

A group of fish with flattened fins making it look saucer-shaped. It has a long tail with at least 1 and up to 7 venomous spines. When stimulated the tail may flick across, either embedding the barb in the victim, or causing a severe laceration. Eight deaths (2 in Australia) have occurred world-wide, either from blood loss, venom effects or tetanus.... stingray

Open or closed. In open fractures the skin is pierced; closed, the skin is not broken. As the incidence of neck-of-the-femur fractures associated with osteoporosis increases, with delayed healing in the elderly infirm, herbal mitotics have much to offer. Taken internally with Calcium supplements all kinds of fractures, including hip replacements, are assisted.

Treatment. Acute: give no food or drink in case anaesthetics are needed later. Do not bandage over open fractures. To promote collagen and callous formation: Horsetail, Mouse Ear, Fenugreek, Alfalfa, Marshmallow root, Mullein, Parsley, Comfrey leaves or tincture.

Decoction. Welsh traditional. Equal parts, Comfrey and Horsetail. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 20 minutes: half-cup thrice daily.

Dr J. Christopher USA. Equal parts, Mullein, Comfrey, Oak bark, Lobelia, Skullcap, Walnut, Marshmallow root, Wormwood, Gravel root.

Guaiacum. Liquid extract. 5-10 drops in water thrice daily.

Cinnamon. Healing effect on fractures.

Fracture with nerve laceration. St John’s Wort.

Topical. Comfrey paste or poultice.

Diet. High protein.

Supplements. Vitamins A, C, D, E. Calcium citrate malate (more effective than the carbonate), Dolomite, Magnesium, Zinc. ... fractures

Pot marigold. Calendula officinalis L. German: Ringelblume. French: Souci des Jardins. Spanish: Calendula. Italian: Calendola. Dried florets. One of the most versatile and important herbal medicines. This is the same Calendula as used by the homoeopaths but the method of preparation and therapy is different. Contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and Vitamin A.

Keynote: injuries. Not the same plant as French Marigold (Tagetes patula).

Constituents: volatile oil, flavonoids, triterpenes.

Action: immune stimulant, anti-protazoal, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti- haemorrhage, anti-histamine, anti-bacterial effect particularly against staphylococcus and streptococcus, anti-emetic, anti-cancer, antiseptic, styptic, haemostatic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, oestrogenic activity (extract from fresh flowers), menstrual regulator.

Uses: Internal. A remedy which should follow all surgical operations. Enlarged and inflamed lymphatic glands, gastric and duodenal ulcer, jaundice, gall bladder inflammation, absent or painful menstruation, balanitis, rectum – inflammation of, gum disease, nose-bleeds, sebaceous cysts, measles (cup of tea drunk freely), pneumonia – a cooling drink which is anti-inflammatory. Vaginal thrush.

Uses: External. Rapid epithelisation process in damaged skin tissue, especially alcoholic extract; rapid wound adhesion and granulation without suppuration. (Weleda)

Wounds where the skin has been broken: laceration with bleeding (Arnica for unbroken skin). Sores, leg ulcers, abscess etc. Sore nipples in nursing mothers, varicose veins, nosebleeds, grazed knees in schoolchildren. Bee, wasp and other insect stings. Chilblains, fistula, inflamed nails, whitlow, dry chapped skin and lips, wind burn, air pollution.

Dentistry: Tooth extractions: rinse mouth with infusion of the florets or much-diluted tincture – 5-10 drops in water.

Malignancy: strong tea, 1-2oz to 1 pint boiling water; use as a wash to cleanse exudations.

STD purulent discharge: inject douche of strong infusion as above.

Wm M. Gregory MD, Berea, Ohio, USA. “I have never seen one drop of pus develop in any wound, however dirty.”

Preparations: For internal or external use. Average dose, 1-4 grams, or equivalent. Thrice daily.

Tea: dried petals/florets. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Drink freely.

Home tincture. 1 handful petals/florets (approximately 50g) to 1 pint (500ml) 70 per cent alcohol (Vodka); stand 14 days in a warm place, shake daily. Filter. Dose: 5-20 drops in water.

Poultice. Handful petals/florets to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Apply on suitable material to injuries where skin is broken; replenish when dry.

Herbalist’s Friend. 1 part Tincture Calendula to 4 parts Witch Hazel, for phlebitis and painful varicose veins.

Weleda. Calendula lotion locally, or as a mouth wash and gargle. ... marigold

Any injury inflicted by the mouthparts of an animal, from the puncture wounds of bloodsucking insects to the massive injuries caused by shark or crocodile attacks. Teeth, especially those of carnivores, can inflict severe and widespread mechanical injury. Severe injuries and lacerations to major blood vessels can lead to severe blood loss and physiological shock. Serious infection may occur due to bacteria in the animal’s mouth; and tetanus is a particular hazard. In countries where rabies is present, any mammal may potentially harbour the rabies virus and transmit it via a bite. Medical advice should be sought for all but minor injuries or if there is a possibility of rabies. Treatment usually includes cleaning and examination of the wound. The wound will usually be left open and dressed. Preventive antibiotic drug treatment and an antitetanus injection may also be given. Antirabies vaccine is given, with immunoglobulin, if there is any possibility that the animal is infected with the rabies virus. (See also bites, human insect bites; snake bites; spider bites; venomous bites and stings.)... bites, animal

One of the digits of the hand. Each finger has 3 phalanges (bones), which join at hinge joints moved by muscle tendons, and an artery, vein, and nerve running down each side. The entire structure is enclosed in skin with a nail at the tip.Common finger injuries are lacerations, fractures, tendon ruptures, and mallet finger.

Infections such as paronychia can occur, and inflamed flexor tendons may cause trigger finger.

Congenital finger disorders include syndactyly, polydactyly, missing fingers, or a webbed appearance due to deep membrane between the fingers; other finger disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Raynaud’s disease, and dactylitis (swelling) due to sickle cell anaemia.

Clubbing of the fingers is a sign of chronic lung disease or some forms of congenital heart disease.

Tumours of the finger are rare but may occur in chondromatosis.... finger

Any damage to the skin and/or underlying tissues caused by an accident, act of violence, or surgery. Wounds in which the skin or mucous membrane is broken are called open; those in which they remain intact are termed closed.

Wounds can be divided into the following categories: an incised wound; an abrasion (or graze); a laceration; a penetrating wound; and a contusion. wound infection Any type of wound is susceptible to the entry of bacteria; the resultant infection can delay healing, result in disability, and may even cause death. Infection of a wound is indicated by redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and sometimes by the presence of pus or the formation of an abscess. Infection may spread locally to adjacent organs or tissue, or to more distant parts of the body via the blood.

The type of infection depends upon how the wound occurred. For example, wounds brought into contact with soil can result in tetanus. STAPHYLOCOCCI, including MRSA, are also common wound infections.

Once infection is discovered, a sample of blood or pus is taken and the patient is given an antibiotic drug. Any abscess should be drained surgically.... wound

spontaneous dilatation of the cervix of the uterus during the second trimester of pregnancy. The membranes bulge and subsequently rupture, and the fetus is expelled prematurely in a late miscarriage. It may be caused by forcible dilatation of the cervix during the operation of *dilatation and curettage or it may be related to laceration of the cervix during a previous delivery or to previous cervical surgical procedures (e.g. knife *cone biopsy).... cervical incompetence

n. a surgical operation to stitch tears or lacerations of the rectum or anus.... proctorrhaphy

n. surgical restoration of the continuity of the urethra. This may be required following laceration of the urethra.... urethrorrhaphy