Understanding Wound Tunneling: Causes, Detection & Treatment

Wound tunneling refers to the development of narrow, long tracts formed under the skin that extend beyond the visible opening of a wound or ulcer into healthy tissue layers underneath. The deeper extent of these tunnels may not be visually appreciated during initial wound or ulcer inspection, which underscores the importance of systematic probing with a wound probe with each dressing change as a component of standard wound care practice.

Tunnels often track along fascial planes and tend to occur when wounds penetrate the lower levels of the subcutaneous tissue where areolar tissue predominates. This is especially concerning since they frequently lead to abscess formation, increased morbidity, delayed wound healing, and ultimately poor outcomes that might necessitate prolonged treatment, increased resource utilization, and potential further surgical intervention