Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Healing by primary intention refers to the process where clean edges of a wound are brought together and secured, typically using sutures or staples. This method is optimal when the wound edges are in close proximity and not contaminated, allowing for the quickest and most efficient healing. In this process, the body is able to heal the wound with minimal scar formation and less likelihood of infection, as the edges are neatly joined.

In contrast, healing by secondary intention occurs when wounds are left open to heal on their own, which typically results in a larger scar and requires more time. Healing by tertiary intention is a process where a wound is treated initially by secondary intention but is then sutured closed after a period of observation to ensure there is no infection or significant tissue loss. Healing by delayed primary intention involves a similar approach as tertiary intention where the wound is closed after a few days of open healing.

Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify why primary intention is specifically marked by the practice of reapproximating the edges and the closure that this entails.