Sports Medicine

Unit 11, Part A

Wound Dressing and Bandaging

Caring for Skin Wounds Skin wounds are extremely common in

sports Soft pliable nature of skin makes it

susceptible to injury Numerous mechanical forces can result

in trauma Friction, scrapping, pressure, tearing,

cutting and penetration

WOUND DRESSINGS Definitions

A bandage is a strip of cloth or other material used to hold a dressing in place

A dressing is a material, such as gauze, that is applied directly to a wound

WOUND DRESSINGS A bandage, when properly

applied, can contribute greatly to the healing process

When improperly applied it can… Cause discomfort Allow wound contamination Hamper wound healing

WOUND DRESSINGS In ALL cases bandages must be

firmly applied. Care should be taken not to

hamper circulation by applying too tightly or allowing the dressing to move by applying too loosely

WOUND DRESSINGS As we have already learned, skin

lesions are very common in sports It is important that these wounds be

cared for immediately All wounds, even minor ones,

should be considered to be contaminated

WOUND DRESSINGS The wound must be cleansed,

medicated, and dressed Dressings require a sterile

environment to prevent infections

WOUND DESCRIPTONS Since we have already discussed

these earlier, just be reminded of the wound types most often dealt with in sports medicine… Abrasions Puncture Wounds Lacerations Incisions Avulsions

Types of wounds Abrasions

Skin scraped against rough surface Top layer of skin wears away exposing numerous

capillaries Often involves exposure to dirt and foreign materials =

increased risk for infection Laceration

Sharp or pointed object tears tissues – results in wound with jagged edges

May also result in tissue avulsion Incision

Wounds with smooth edges

Puncture wounds Can easily occur during activity and can be

fatal Penetration of tissue can result in introduction

of tetanus bacillus to bloodstream All severe lacerations and puncture wounds

should be referred to a physician Avulsion wounds

Skin is torn from body = major bleeding Place avulsed tissue in moist gauze (saline),

plastic bag and immerse in cold water Take to hospital for reattachment

Immediate Care Should be cared for immediately All wounds should be treated as though

they have been contaminated with microorganisms

To minimize infection clean wound with copious amounts of soap, water and sterile solution Avoid hydrogen peroxide and bacterial

solutions initially

Are sutures necessary? Deep lacerations, incisions and

occasionally punctures will require some form of manual closure

Decision should be made by a physician Sutures should be used within 12 hours Area of injury and limitations of blood

supply for healing will determine materials used for closure

Physician may decide wound does not require sutures and utilize steri-strips or butterfly bandages

TETANUS Tetanus (aka “Lockjaw”) is an acute

disease causing fever and convulsions Tetanus bacteria enters the body as a

spore and attacks the CNS Most people are immunized against

tetanus in childhood After 10 years, a booster should be

taken

TETANUS If there has never been a

tetanus immunization, then one should be given at the time of injury

If there was an immunization, but no recent booster, then one should be given

Wound Care Materials Gauze

Used in 3 forms Sterile pads for

wounds Non-sterile pads

for padding Roller bandage to

hold and compress dressings

Wound Care Materials Cotton cloth

Used primarily for ankle wraps and triangular bandages

Elastic roller bandages Can be used for

wounds, but used more often for muscular support

Wound Care Materials Plastics

Playing an increasingly important role in sports medicine

Come in a number of forms… Aerosol sprays to protect wounds Adhesive tapes Plastic coated gauze pads

(commonly known as “Telfa Pads”)

Plastics are useful because they can hold in or keep out moisture, provide insulation, and prevent infection

Wound Care Materials Wound cleansers

Hydrogen peroxide not highly

recommended anymore because it can damage living tissues

Povidone-Iodine More commonly

referred to as Betadine or Beta Scrubs

Good ol’ soap and water

Wound Care Materials Cotton tipped

applicators & tongue depressors Used to apply

medications, clean wounds, etc.

Adhesive strips “Bandaids” Come in numerous

sizes and styles

Wound Care Materials Medications

1st Aid creams Bacitracin/Triple

Antibiotics Strawberry ointment

Steristrips Used to close a

wound, or hold a wound closed after stitches are removed

Also known as a “butterfly closures”

Wound Care Materials Tincture of Benzoin

Compound A sterile adhesive liquid often

used in combination with steristrips or other dressings to hold them in place

Cover strips Adhesive gauze material now

being used to help protect skin wounds and abrasions from being further injured during games/practices

The 8 Basic Uses for Dressings and Bandages

Protect wounds from infection Protect wounds from further injury and

contamination Control external and internal bleeding Act as a compress over exposed and

unexposed injuries Immobilize and injured part Protect an unexposed injury Support an injured part Hold protective equipment in place

Common Types of Bandages Used in Sports Medicine

Roller bandages Made of many materials such as gauze,

cotton cloth, and elastic wrapping Width and length may vary depending on the

use Most frequent sizes include lengths of 6-10 yards Common widths are 2”, 3”, 4”, and 6”

The size of the wrap used is determined by the body part that you are wrapping