Prediction of wound tensile strength: An experimental study

Wound cell specimens were obtained using a Cellstic device after 24, 48 and 72 h healing time in guinea-pig skin wounds. Cell counts from these were compared with the tensile strength values of the same wounds 7, 14 or 21 days after operation. No single cell type was predictive of wound tensile strength, although absolute numbers of different cells and selected ratios of cell types on the second or third day after operation were more predictive. Absolute and proportional changes from day 1 to day 2 had the greatest predictive power with a mean error of 9.46 per cent (F = 13.6, P less than 0.0001). The same regression model was predictive in animals with lower wound tensile strengths given perioperative hydrocortisone (3 mg/100 g).