What is the term for wounds that heal by secondary intention?

Wounds that heal by secondary intention are characterized by tissue loss and separated edges. This healing process occurs when the wound cannot be closed directly due to the extent of tissue damage, resulting in a healing process that involves granulation tissue formation and eventual re-epithelialization over a larger surface area. Healing by secondary intention often takes longer and may result in more scar tissue compared to wounds that heal by primary intention, where the edges are well-approximated.

In contrast, wounds with little tissue loss or those that have well-approximated edges would typically heal by primary intention, where the goal is to bring the wound edges together to promote faster healing. Wounds that require surgical intervention may be closed by sutures or staples, indicating a primary intention healing process rather than secondary. This differentiation is essential for understanding wound care management and treatment approaches in practice.