Accurate wound measurements and appropriate therapy

Ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful in diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis and deep tissue injury. Precise wound debridement is necessary in the early stage of wounds that contain much necrotic tissues. In chronic wounds, there are many techniques used to measure the area and volume of wounds. Digital planimetry combined with wound analysis software have improved measurement accuracy and enabled wound clinicians to measure the total area and the perimeter of a wound. The reduction in wound area over time has been shown to predict wound healing in both venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. There remains debate regarding the merits of surface area vs linear advancement to determine the healing rate. Practitioners should use the correct technique when obtaining measurements and the same method consistently as methods are not interchangeable.