Wound healing is the process by which the function of damaged tissue is restored following surgery, trauma or other sources of tissue damage. The management of wounds is a fundamental aspect of the management of the patient following a fragility fracture, especially following a hip fracture and associated surgery. Ageing skin and multiple comorbidities are significant factors in skin injury and wound healing problems.

The effective evidence-based management of surgical wounds following surgery after a fragility fracture can be challenging as ageing and comorbidities affect wound healing. Skin and wound care involves careful skin and wound assessment and attention to infection prevention measures while managing the factors affecting wound healing. Clinical considerations in wound management also include maintaining adequate nutrition, moisture, treating oedema and preventing further injury.

This chapter aims to provide an overview of skin and wound assessment and evidence-based care interventions that can optimise wound healing in older people with fragility fractures.