Physician Diagnosis

The doctor will want to know how the injury occurred, what home care you did for the injury yourself before coming in, if you feel as if there is anything in the wound, and when your last tetanus shot may have been.

You will be asked about your general health, present medications, and any allergies to medications. Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, AIDS, immunosuppression, sickle cell disease, and clotting abnormalities affect wound healing. Steroids and chemotherapy drugs also interfere with wound healing.

• If a hand or finger is involved, the doctor will want to see that you are able to move the extremity or finger through its full range of motion. There is a difference between not being able to bend or extend a finger or not being able to do so simply because it is uncomfortable. Sensation and circulation to the area will be tested carefully as well.
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• If there is some suspicion of a foreign body in the wound or an underlying bone break, an x-ray may be ordered.