Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

During which phase of full-thickness wound healing does scar tissue reach its maximum tensile strength?

1. Inflammatory phase

2. Proliferative phase

3. Maturation phase

4. Remodeling phase

The correct answer is: Maturation phase

Scar tissue reaches its maximum tensile strength during the maturation phase of full-thickness wound healing. This phase is also known as the remodeling phase and can last from several weeks to years after the injury. During this time, the collagen fibers initially laid down during the proliferative phase are reorganized, cross-linked, and strengthened. This process increases the tensile strength of the scar tissue, although it will never fully regain the strength of the original skin. During the earlier phases, such as the inflammatory phase and the proliferative phase, the focus is on hemostasis (stopping the bleeding), inflammation, and the formation of new tissue. While initial strength is established, it is during the maturation phase that the scar tissue undergoes significant changes to enhance its integrity and strength. Thus, understanding the role of the maturation phase is crucial, as it represents the time when the wound continues to heal and strengthen after the initial healing efforts have been made.