[2.3] Soft Tissues Injuries

• soft tissues injuries


  involve damage to the skin, muscles, or connective tissues
• closed soft tissues injuries

  • contusion (bruise)
  • hematoma
  • compression injuries
• contusion

  • damage to blood vessels under the skin
  • causes discoloration, swelling, and tenderness
• bruise


  other term for contusion
• hematoma


  larger, deeper injury with more extensive damage to blood vessels, leading to blood pooling under the skin
• compression injuries


  excessive swelling in a confined space potentially causes increased tissue pressure, which can impair blood flow
• compartment syndrome


  compression injuries can lead to ___________
• open soft tissue injuries


  injury where the skin’s protective layer is broken, often with visible bleeding and increased infection risk
• open soft tissue injuries

  • abrasion
  • laceration
  • avulsion
  • amputation
  • puncture
• abrasion

  • caused by rubbing or scraping, involves loss of the outer layers of skin (epidermis and dermis);
  • painful due to exposed nerve endings
• laceration


  a cut or tear is caused by a sharp object, which can be smooth or jagged and may penetrate through skin layers to muscle or bone
• avulsion

  • Occurs when a piece of skin is torn away or left as a flap
  • heavy bleeding is common, and the circulation in the flap may be compromised
• amputation

  • complete or partial removal of a body part;
  • bleeding may vary depending on the severed blood vessels
• puncture

  • caused by a pointed object;
  • external damage may be minimal, but internal injury can be severe