Management of cavity wounds in practice

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Management of cavity wounds in practice

Jacqui Fletcher, Trudie Clark, Luxmi Dhoonmoon, Fiona Downie, Leila Ercan, Debbie Johnstone, Andrew Sharpe, Joy Tickle, Kim Whitlock
10 April 2025

Cavities can occur in wounds of most aetiologies, including leg ulcers (LUs), diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), pressure ulcers (PUs) and in patients with surgical wound dehiscence. Definitions of cavity wounds in the literature are varied, plus these can be complex wounds – so identification and assessment in practice can be a challenge.

Clear guidance is needed to give clinicians knowledge and confidence in dealing with cavity wounds of all types.

To address this gap, a group of experts met in London in September 2024 to share experiences, discuss challenges in managing cavity wounds, establish standardised definitions, and provide practical guidance for clinicians.

This resulting best practice statement is based on the discussions and opinions of the expert group. The document aims to provide guidance for practice, including the following areas:

  • Overview and definitions of cavity wounds
  • Special considerations unique to cavity wounds
  • Exudate management
  • Dressing selection
  • Patient considerations.

This document also includes a glossary of terms relating to cavity wounds [Appendix 1], to demystify practice and standardise definitions. The overall aim is to increase clinicians’ knowledge and confidence and, ultimately, improve outcomes for patients with cavity wounds.

Jacqui Fletcher, Chair

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Disclaimer: This document has been developed by Wounds UK and is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Mölnlycke Health Care
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