A midline laparotomy incision is closed primarily. At approximately 1 week after surgery, the wound has regained roughly what percentage of its original pre-injury tensile strength?
- A 90%
- B 50%
- C 10% ✓
- D 5%
Correct answer: C. 10%
Explanation
At 1 week the wound has only about 10% of its original tensile strength, because strength depends on collagen cross-linking rather than cellularity, and remodeling has barely begun. Strength rises slowly thereafter, reaching roughly 70 to 80% of normal at maximum, which is why early wounds fail mechanically despite appearing healed. This is why suture removal before 7 to 10 days risks dehiscence.
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.