History

Clinicians should inquire about causative trauma, the age of the wound, the presence of a foreign body, and symptoms of head trauma. They also need to assess the risk of wound contamination (e.g., bite wounds are at high risk). Further, the clinician should collect information on conditions and habits that may affect wound healing adversely such as diabetes mellitus, history of keloids, steroid use, drug or alcohol abuse. Other important factors needed from history include allergies to local anesthetics and tetanus immunization status. 

Examination

The wound should undergo proper assessment for length, depth, shape, contamination or foreign bodies, and skin loss.[5] Proper evaluation requires the removal of foreign bodies and achieving hemostasis. Sometimes, the removal of scalp hair is necessary. 

Careful examination of the head and looking for signs of associated injuries such as skull fractures and intracranial injury is essential as they may require immediate intervention to prevent significant morbidity.

Diagnostic imaging is not necessary in all cases of scalp lacerations. However, there are some indications[6][7]:

• Bony defects on examination or signs of traumatic brain injury warrant CT imaging to look for intracranial injury
• Patients with clinical findings suggestive of foreign body presence warrant imaging (radiography for radiopaque material such as glass, rocks, and metals and ultrasonography for nonradiopaque materials)

The first thing requiring attention in scalp lacerations is the removal of foreign bodies, if present, and achieving hemostasis. The bleeding can usually be stopped by applying direct pressure with or without the use of local lidocaine with epinephrine. If hemostasis is unachievable with these measures, the edges of the scalp are everted using hemostats or skin hooks before prompt suturing of the wound. Controlling bleeding is important as lacerations can result in significant blood loss.[4][8]

Primary closure of the laceration is preferred in most cases, as delayed closure of the wound increases the risk of infection & scarring. Lacerations that are older than 24 hours with an increased risk of infection (e.g., vascular insufficiency, contamination, foreign bodies) may warrant delayed primary closure 4 to 5 days after cleansing and debriding the wound. Primary closure of wounds that look inflamed (warm, swollen, pussy, and red) is contraindicated.[9]

It is crucial the laceration closure does not hinder definitive care and evaluation of more urgent injuries with which it is associated, such as intracranial injury.[10]

Options for closure include surgical staples, hair apposition, and suturing.

Staples are generally the preferred closure method in lacerations through the dermis in which bleeding is under control as they are fast, cheap, and have few to complications. They also achieve similar cosmetic results when compared to sutures.[11][12]

Straight, small wounds (under 10cm) can be repaired using modified hair apposition, if there is adequate bleeding controlled and the patient has hair that is at least 1cm in length. Even though this method is relatively time-consuming when compared to surgical staples, it is less painful and does not necessitate staple removal, and usually results in good cosmetic results with few complications.[13][14][15]

Simple interrupted sutures may be used for closure if the wound was profusely bleeding and could not attain adequate hemorrhage control without suturing. It is also a valid option if staples are unavailable and hair apposition isn't applicable (e.g., large wound, short-haired patient).[16]

• Bite wound
• Complex laceration.
• Cut wound by a sharp object
• Intracranial injury
• Retained foreign body
• Skull fracture

Most scalp lacerations unassociated with other traumatic injuries have a good prognosis with little to no long-lasting sequelae and excellent cosmetic results.[11] Wound infections are relatively uncommon due to the excellent blood supply to the scalp area. The risk of bleeding is significant but generally is controllable fairly easily. Factors that may cause poor outcomes include associated facial trauma, chronic conditions that may impair healing (e.g., diabetes, vascular insufficiency), and contaminated wounds with retained foreign bodies.

• Bleeding: due to the excellent blood supply to the scalp, lacerations may result in profuse bleeding that may even lead to hemorrhagic shock if not managed promptly[1]
• Infection: contaminated wounds, bite wounds, and retained foreign bodies pose a higher risk of wound infection
• Scarring: poor healing outcomes may be related to delayed intervention or patient-related factors such as chronic medical conditions, social habits (smoking, alcohol,) and history of keloids

Scalp lacerations are traumatic injuries. It is essential to instruct patients to stay away or at least be careful when performing high-risk activities, especially given that injuries to the head and face can be severe with long-lasting morbidity.

After wound closure, it is essential to educate patients on how to deal with staples or sutures if they have them, and schedule proper follow up for the removal of these sutures/staples. General instructions on keeping the wound clean and preventing contamination are also essential to avoid unnecessary and preventable infections of the injury.

Even though scalp lacerations are for the most part uncomplicated and can be managed by the emergency team with little to no issues, thoroughly evaluating for injuries that may be associated with facial trauma is essential as many require prompt management that requires the involvement of other healthcare specialties such as plastic surgery and neurosurgery. Being vigilant and not hesitating to ask for help when appropriate is essential in these cases as head injuries can cause significant harm to the patients if not dealt with in a timely and professional manner. The ED nurse or the emergency department physician should inquire about tetanus status. In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary if the wound is clean. However, the patient should be seen in the clinic to ensure that healing is going on as planned.

Scalp lacerations are best addressed through an interprofessional team approach, including physicians, specialists when necessary, nursing staff, (including dermatology specialty-trained nurses), and in the event of infection, pharmacists. Communication among the various disciplines of the health care team will bring about optimal patient care and outcomes. [Level V]