Laceration
Common Causes of Laceration Injuries
Lacerations can range from minor cuts to deep wounds requiring immediate medical attention. Wisconsin Medical Group treats laceration injuries throughout Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin.
Workplace Lacerations
Machinery accidents, sharp tools, falling materials, and construction site incidents commonly cause workplace lacerations. See a doctor for proper documentation for workers’ compensation if you have been injured at work.
Personal Injury Lacerations
Cuts and deep wounds frequently occur during traumatic accidents, slip and falls, and sports injuries.
Laceration Repair in Milwaukee
The laceration specialists at Wisconsin Medical Group have experience treating all kinds of lacerations, from mild to severe. The repair process is different with each case and the time frame for recovery is dependent on many factors, the most important being the scope and size of the wound. For mild lacerations not requiring sutures, a typical recovery period is 1-2 weeks. More severe lacerations that require sutures or surgery have a more prolonged recovery period that often involves medical treatments to repair the wound and then follow-up treatments such as physical therapy to minimize long-term risks.
Laceration injuries at work
If you sustain a laceration injury at work it is important to seek medical attention right away, especially if the injury is severe and involves damage to the bone, tissue, and muscle. At Wisconsin Medical Group we specialize in providing medical treatment for people involved in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases involving laceration injuries. WMG laceration specialists will provide you with an honest and accurate medical opinion and diagnosis and will help you recover. We know how to and will work closely with employers and insurance providers to ensure you receive the care and support you need to return to work and normal activities. Schedule an appointment today to learn more.
Types of Lacerations
Orthopedics classify lacerations into 5 categories:
Cut Lacerations: The most common type of lacerations. They occur when the first layer of skin is broken by a sharp object like metal or broken glass. In severe cases, the cut may extend to the underlying tissue.
Split Lacerations: Wounds that occur when a body part is crushed between two objects. The force of the compression often causes the skin or tissue to tear.
Grinding Compression: Occur when a body part hits a blunt object in a brushing motion. This usually causes the skin to peel back, leaving the epidermis exposed and causing the underneath tissue to be crushed.
Over-Stretching Lacerations: The least common type of laceration. They occur when a singular directional force pulls on the skin or muscle, causing it to sever or stretch completely.
Tearing Lacerations: Occur when the tissue or skin is pulled in two different directions, causing a tear.
Common Laceration Repairs
Wisconsin Medical Group deals with all types of lacerations including:
- Arm lacerations
- Lip lacerations
- Tongue Lacerations
- Finger lacerations
- Leg and foot lacerations
How to Treat a Laceration Wound
- Immediately apply pressure around the lacerated area to stop bleeding
- Clean wound with soap and warm water
- Sterilize wound with hydrogen peroxide or another medically approved disinfectant
- Apply antibiotic ointment to fight infection
- Cover with a sterile bandage. DO NOT take off the bandage if blood seeps through. Layer on to allow blood clotting.
If the wound is deep, infected, not healing, or won’t stop bleeding see a medical professional as soon as you can. Without proper treatment, lacerations can further tear and the wound will grow.
Car Accident
Broken glass, metal debris, and impact injuries during a car accident can cause serious lacerations and tissue damage.
How Wisconsin Medical Group Helps Laceration Patients
Our physicians evaluate wounds, provide treatment recommendations, and monitor healing to help reduce complications.
Help Filing Laceration Injury Claims
We provide medical documentation and injury records to support workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.
Schedule a Laceration Evaluation
Prompt medical treatment can help reduce infection risk and support proper healing.
Schedule AppointmentFind a Specialist in Southeast Wisconsin
Wisconsin Medical Group has experienced injury doctors throughout Southeast Wisconsin ready to evaluate and treat lacerations. Contact Wisconsin Medical Group for help in Milwaukee, Bay View, Glendale, Mount Pleasant or West Allis
What is a laceration?
Lacerations are wounds that are jagged or torn and unlike abrasions, typically there is no missing skin.