Mechanical wound debridement

Mechanical debridement physically removes debris from the wound bed. Methods include whirlpool therapy, pulsed lavage, ultrasound, debridement pads, open-weave gauze, blunt curettage, hydrosurgical debridement and wet-to-dry dressings.

Pain from mechanical debridement may be alleviated with topical local anaesthetics (eg eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics [EMLA 5%], lidocaine).

Dressing debridement uses wet-to-dry or sodium chloride soaked gauze dressings. It is not recommended because it is associated with an increased risk of infection, damage to granulation tissue (because it is nonselective), prolonged inflammation, and maceration around the wound.