SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 376
Pathology → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
A large contaminated wound is left open because its edges cannot be safely approximated. Compared with an uncomplicated clean surgical incision, which healing pattern is most characteristic?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Minimal granulation tissue with negligible wound contraction
B
Rapid epithelial union with a small regular scar
C
Extensive granulation tissue and contraction with a larger irregular scar
D
Healing without fibroplasia because the wound remains open
E
Complete regeneration without collagen deposition
Explanation
Healing by secondary intention occurs in an open wound with greater tissue loss and may occur in infected wounds. It is slower than primary union and involves more granulation tissue and wound contraction, producing a larger and more irregular scar.
Option Validity
A) Secondary intention is characterised by substantial granulation tissue and contraction rather than minimal amounts of either.
B) Rapid union with a relatively small scar characterises primary intention in a clean approximated incision.
D) Fibroplasia is an important component of repair and is not abolished because a wound is left open.
E) Large tissue defects require repair with connective tissue and collagen rather than complete regeneration alone.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 5: Pathology. General Pathology, pp.161–175.