Which statement characterizes primary intention wound healing?

Which statement characterizes primary intention wound healing?

• A. Wound edges left open to drain, requiring extended healing time.
• B. Wound edges are brought together with adhesives to close the wound.
• C. Wound edges are approximated with sutures or staples, resulting in minimal tissue loss and faster healing.
• D. Wound healing occurs with excessive scarring due to poor technique.

Answer: (C)

Primary intention healing happens when the wound edges are brought together so they approximate closely, typically with sutures or staples. This close alignment minimizes tissue loss, keeps tissue planes in proper position, and supports rapid healing with less scar formation and lower infection risk. That’s why the statement describing edges being approximated with sutures or staples, leading to minimal tissue loss and faster healing, is the best fit for primary intention. Leaving edges open to drain leads to healing by secondary intention, with more granulation tissue and a longer healing process. Using adhesives to close can close some wounds, but primary intention is classically about bringing edges together with sutures or staples. Excessive scarring due to poor technique is an outcome, not the defining mechanism of primary intention.

Primary intention healing happens when the wound edges are brought together so they approximate closely, typically with sutures or staples. This close alignment minimizes tissue loss, keeps tissue planes in proper position, and supports rapid healing with less scar formation and lower infection risk. That’s why the statement describing edges being approximated with sutures or staples, leading to minimal tissue loss and faster healing, is the best fit for primary intention.

Leaving edges open to drain leads to healing by secondary intention, with more granulation tissue and a longer healing process. Using adhesives to close can close some wounds, but primary intention is classically about bringing edges together with sutures or staples. Excessive scarring due to poor technique is an outcome, not the defining mechanism of primary intention.