Chapter 14 Healing of wounds and fractures
Wound healing
Factors inhibiting wound healing
There are a number of factors that can inhibit wound healing.
Presence of a foreign body. A foreign body provides a site where bacteria may be protected from the host defence mechanisms, because the foreign material inhibits access of antibodies and inflammatory cells. Furthermore, if the foreign body is indigestible, granulation tissue cannot organize it. Therefore, foreign bodies can be said to act as a ‘sanctuary site’ for bacteria.
Stasis. Contaminating bacteria may be removed by the flow of secretions and excretions (e.g. tears and urine). If stasis (i.e. lack of flow) of a fluid occurs, contaminating bacteria can multiply within it. For example, in urinary outflow obstruction associated with incomplete emptying of the bladder, any bacteria that manage to ascend the urethra into the bladder have a chance to multiply in the urine and cause urinary tract infection.
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