Wound Measurement Question

[Guest guest]

Good afternoon,

I have been working on a standardized tool for assessing wounds in our

outpatient wound clinic and am looking for some feedback on

measurement.

It seems there are two thoughts on describing length X width X depth

and through my research have found both methods referenced.

The first method is to always use the clock methodology with the

patient's head at 12 and feet at 6. Regardless of the orientation of

the wound, the two measurements are made from 6 to 12 and from 3 to 9.

I have some concerns with this as it may not capture the true size of

the wound if it is not oriented along the sagittal plane.

The second method is to take the longest direction and assign this as

the length. 90 degrees to this becomes the width.

What about a third option to identify the longest direction of the

wound at 12 o'clock and use this as the baseline for all other

measurements?

What are the thoughts of this group regarding the accuracy of these

methodologies along with the need for interrater reliability and

conformance with a national standard?

Redge L MS OTR/L

Director of Rehabilitation Services

on Hospital

Bremerton, WA 98310