Wound Classification and Closure Selection
Wound Classification and Closure Selection: Wound Requiring Closure → Wound Classification → Clean (Class I) → Reconstructive Ladder → Primary Closure.
Interactive Decision Tree
Algorithm Steps
- ▶Start
Wound Requiring Closure
- ◆Decision
Wound Classification
- Clean (Class I)
- Clean-contaminated (Class II)
- Contaminated (Class III)
- Dirty/Infected (Class IV)
- ●Action
Clean (Class I)
Primary closure appropriate
- ◆Decision
Reconstructive Ladder
Simplest effective option
- ■End
Primary Closure
Direct suture approximation
- ■End
Skin Graft
STSG or FTSG based on location
- ■End
Local Flap
Advancement, rotation, transposition
- ■End
Free Tissue Transfer
Microvascular anastomosis required
- ●Action
Clean-Contaminated (II)
Primary closure with caution
- ●Action
Contaminated (III)
Delayed primary or secondary
- ■End
Secondary Intention
Allow granulation, wound care
- ●Action
Dirty/Infected (IV)
Secondary intention or delayed
Guideline Source
CDC Surgical Wound Classification / Reconstructive Ladder
Clinical Safety Information
Clinical Decision Support — Not a Substitute for Clinical Judgment
Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.
Known Limitations
- Closure timing depends on contamination level
- Patient factors (nutrition, comorbidities) affect healing
- Reconstructive elevator may replace ladder in some cases
Applicable Regions
UK: NICE wound management guidelines
US: CDC wound classification for SSI risk
Next steps
Finish the workflow by opening the most relevant calculator, then convert the session into a live account when you are ready.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wound Classification and Closure Selection?
The Wound Classification and Closure Selection is a management clinical algorithm for Plastic Surgery. It provides a structured decision tree to guide clinical decision-making, based on CDC Surgical Wound Classification / Reconstructive Ladder.
What guideline is the Wound Classification and Closure Selection based on?
This algorithm is based on CDC Surgical Wound Classification / Reconstructive Ladder (DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000008276).
What are the limitations of the Wound Classification and Closure Selection?
Known limitations include: Closure timing depends on contamination level; Patient factors (nutrition, comorbidities) affect healing; Reconstructive elevator may replace ladder in some cases. Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.
Get AI-Powered Analysis Alongside This Algorithm
In AttendMe.ai, the Wound Classification and Closure Selection appears automatically when your clinical question matches — alongside evidence from 3M+ peer-reviewed articles.
Try AttendMe Free