DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSMENT OF WOUNDS AND EVALUATION OFHEALING

Background: Chronic wounds represent a worldwide problem. For laborato ry and clinical research to adequately address this problem, a common language needs to exist. Observation: This language should include a s ystem of wound classification, alexicon of wound descriptors, and a de scription of the processes that are likely to affect wound healing and wound healing end points. Conclusions: The report that follows define s wound, acute wound, chronic wound, healing and forms of healing, wou nd assessment, wound extent, wound burden,and wound severity. The util ity of these definitions is demonstrated as they relate to the healing of a skin wound, but these definitions are broadly applicable to all wounds.