The Effect of Edema and External Pressure on Wound Healing

Abstract

EDEMA has always been felt to be detrimental to wound healing, but experimental proof of this is lacking. Findley and Howes¹ even felt that it increased tensile strength of ear wounds in rabbits. The present study would indicate that edema or the factors that cause it do inhibit wound healing, but the effect is not marked and disappears with time. Methods Adult albino rabbits were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital administered intravenously and supplemented with a nerve block high in the thigh using 1 cc of 1% lidocaine. Both hind limbs were then shaved and tattooed at the ankle using india ink on a 21 gauge needle. The volume of the foot to the tattoo mark was measured by mercury displacement. Skin incisions 2 cm long were made in the center of the dorsum of the foot. A large vein consistently ran beneath the incision and it was found necessary