Located in Beaverton and Lake Oswego, OR - Call us: 503-850-9950
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Cuts and Lacerations services offered in Beaverton and Lake Oswego, OR
Accidents happen, and sometimes a simple slip or unexpected contact can result in a cut or laceration that needs immediate medical attention beyond a basic bandage. When you're dealing with a deeper wound, your primary concern is not only the cut itself but also ensuring it's properly cared for by orthopedic urgent care specialists to prevent infection, minimize scarring, and promote optimal healing.
At Go To Ortho our experienced team is equipped to expertly assess and treat a wide range of lacerations and wound care needs. Specifically, we are specialized in determining if surgical intervention is needed for complex cuts, providing peace of mind and guiding you to the most effective treatment path. Skip the long waits of the emergency room for non-life-threatening injuries; we offer prompt, precise attention to help you heal cleanly and comfortably right here in the Portland-Metro area.
What are cuts and lacerations?
Cuts and lacerations puncture the skin’s surface. Cuts are typically minor injuries that cause a separation of connective tissue, but no skin is missing. Lacerations are torn or jagged wounds (usually deeper than cuts) caused by a sharp object.
When should I see a doctor for cuts and lacerations?
If you or your child has a laceration longer than ½ inch or deeper than ¼ inch, have it checked out by the experts at Go To Ortho. These wounds may need sutures, stitches, or staples to heal effectively.
See a provider if you or your child has been bitten by an animal, was punctured by a dirty object, has a cut that won’t stop bleeding, has diabetes, or shows signs of infection (pus, redness, warmth, etc.).
Potential causes of cuts and lacerations include:
- Walking barefoot
- Handling sharp objects (knives, scissors, etc.)
- Falls
- Contact sports
- Physical altercations
- Workplace accidents
- Car accidents
- Working with tools
- Animal scratches or bites
If you’re in doubt about whether or not to seek medical attention for cuts or lacerations, call the Go To Ortho office and speak with a friendly staff member.
Do I need medical care for cuts and lacerations?
The Go To Ortho experts decide if you need stitches to heal effectively from cuts and lacerations. They make treatment determinations based on the depth of the wound, its width, the location of the wound, and if you’re a candidate for a tetanus vaccination. You should receive a tetanus vaccine every 10 years.
Your provider creates a treatment plan based on your specific injury, medical history, and tetanus vaccination history. They examine your wound and discuss how the injury occurred. Your provider may also order on-site X-rays if they suspect a broken bone.
How are cuts and lacerations treated?
Treating cuts and lacerations may include one or more of the following:
- Placing pressure on any bleeding
- Numbing medications
- Antibiotic medicines
- Stitches
- Sutures
- Staples
- Injections
- Wound cleaning
- Removing crusted blood using hydrogen peroxide
- Wound irrigation with saline
- Adhesive medical tape
- Bandaging
- Gauze
- Splints
- Footwear changes
The benefits of effective wound care treatment include less bleeding, faster healing, lower risk of infection, protection of underlying tissues, and less scarring.
See your specialist 1-2 days after treatment (if needed) and when it’s time to have any stitches removed. Keep your wound site clean, avoid unprotected sun exposure, and call the office at any time with questions. Healing may take a week or two.
If you or your child develops cuts and lacerations, schedule an evaluation at Go To Ortho by phone or request one online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.