A laceration, also known as a cut, is an injury that occurs when a wound breaks through the skin. The laceration may be superficial or affect tissues below the skin such as tendons, muscles or bone. Minor lacerations are often short and shallow cuts, but they may bleed and be at risk for infection.

The main goal of laceration repair is to stop the bleeding and stabilize the patient if faint. Laceration repair may include: Cleaning and preparing the wound, stitches to seal the wound, staples to seal the wound, adhesive strips. Follow up care may be required to remove the closure material and monitor the healing process. Most minor lacerations heal successfully with no complications.