The evaluation of a laceration begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a laceration may include:

• Blood vessel injury
• Foreign body in the wound
• Ligament injury
• Loss of tissue
• Muscle injury
• Skin swelling
• Skin tenderness
• Tendon injury

Tests that may be used to evaluate a laceration include:

• Soft tissue x-rays:
• May be useful to detect a foreign body in the wound
• Ultrasound:
• May also be useful for detecting a foreign body in the wound