Soft Tissue Healing

Question 1

Oxford Scale

Answer 1

1) Flicker of movement
2) Through full range actively with gravity counterbalanced
3) Through full range actively against gravity
4) Through full range actively against some resistance
5) Full

Question 2

Stage 1

Answer 2

Inflammatory phase.

Changes with blood flow - clot forms. Exudation of protein rich fluid. Leukocyte emigration and lymphatic drainage.

Question 3

Stage 2

Answer 3

Proliferation phase
24-48 hrs of injury, fibroblasts, macrophages and blood vessels proliferate to form granulation tissue. Capillary network is leaky (due to development of capillary buds). WBC and plasma proteins leak into tissue. Collagen synthesis continues as a result of fibroblasts proliferation. Collagen synthesis reaches peak at 5-7 days lasting several weeks.

Question 4

Stage 3

Answer 4

Starts at 3 weeks lasts 2 years. Continues remodelling of scar tissue > collagen synthesis by fibroblasts. Simultaneous lysis by collagenase enzymes. Re-orientation of scar tissue to increase tensile strength. After 3 months wound strength has reached 70% or normal.