Arm laceration (skin cut)
About Arm laceration (skin cut)
Lacerations of the arm can be simple, involving only the skin. Or they may be complex, with injury to tendons, nerves and/or blood vessels. With tendon lacerations, there is weakness in the part of the extremity (arm, wrist, hand, finger) normally moved by the tendon, and with nerve damage, numbness is experienced beyond the laceration.Symptoms
Pain, bleeding, weakness, numbness.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray may be done to look for a foreign body such as dirt, wood or glass.Common tests: X-ray.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Conventional treatment summary
Repair of the skin laceration with sutures. Underlying tendon, nerve or vessels are repaired if necessary. Arm lacerations should be repaired within 12 hours to prevent infection. While waiting for treatment the laceration can be cleaned with running water and covered with gauze or a clean cloth. Pressure on the wound can be applied to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse consider calling 911. For a dirty wound, a tetanus shot may be needed if there was none within the past 5 years; for a clean wound, no shot within the past 10 years.Medical specialties
Emergency Medicine · Urgent Care Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Arm laceration (skin cut).