A surgical incision closed primarily regains strength progressively during remodeling. What is the maximum percentage of the original unwounded skin tensile strength that the healed wound ultimately attains?
- A About 70 to 80% at most, even after full maturation ✓
- B About 90% after one year
- C 100%, provided the scar matures completely
- D About 50% regardless of duration
Correct answer: A. About 70 to 80% at most, even after full maturation
Explanation
Wound strength rises rapidly between weeks 1 and 8, reaching approximately 10 percent of original strength at the end of the first week, then plateaus at roughly 70 to 80 percent of unwounded skin by around three months, never exceeding this despite prolonged remodeling. This ceiling reflects the disorganized, scar-type collagen architecture rather than normal basket-weave dermal collagen.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.