What should be done first with an open wound over a joint?

When assessing an open wound over a joint, the foremost consideration is the potential for joint involvement. Open wounds in proximity to a joint can compromise the joint space, leading to infections and complications if not managed properly. Therefore, it is critical to consider the possibility that the wound might connect to the joint, thereby necessitating a meticulous approach to treatment and potential surgical intervention.

Understanding this potential connection helps guide appropriate management to prevent joint infection or further injury. While documentation, wound cleaning, and surgical referral are important steps in the overall management of the patient, recognizing the association of an open wound with the joint is vital and should be prioritized in the initial assessment. This awareness directs all subsequent actions, including the need for careful examination, appropriate imaging studies, or surgical evaluation based on the suspected joint involvement.