Why should suture tension be avoided in wound closure?

• A. It can cause ischemia of skin edges
• B. It improves wound healing
• C. It reduces infection
• D. It increases blood supply

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that pulling wound edges together with too much tension can squeeze the tiny vessels supplying the skin margins. That compression reduces blood flow, leading to ischemia of the edges, which can cause edge necrosis, slower healing, wider scarring, and a higher risk of wound dehiscence and infection. To promote proper healing, sutures should be placed with gentle, even tension rather than tight constriction. Techniques to reduce tension include releasing surrounding tissue (undermining), closing in layers, or adjusting the incision to lessen the stretch. The other statements aren’t correct because tension does not improve healing, does not reduce infection, and does not increase blood supply; in fact, it does the opposite by compromising perfusion.