Soft-Tissue Injuries

Mrs. Frasca

Soft tissue injuries are classified as open or

closed Open:

Abrasions, lacerations, avulsions, and puncture wounds

Closed: Contusions, hematomas, ecchymosis Sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis, and stress

related injuries

Soft-Tissue Injuries

Abrasions = when several layers of skin are

torn loose or totally removed Looks more like a rug burn than a cut Ex: scraped knees from falling on concrete

Usually more painful than a deep cut because the skin is “scraped” and many nerve endings are exposed

Open: Abrasions and Scrapes

Open: Abrasions and

Scrapes

Wash the wound to remove dirt and debris

Soap and water are effective Apply antibiotic ointment

Helps to prevent infection and keeps the dressing from sticking

Medical attention will be needed if oozing, swelling, or pain increases

Abrasions: Treatment

A cut in the skin resulting from injury

Cuts less than .25 inches can usually be healed without stitches….deeper cuts will require a physician’s care

Open: Lacerations

Clean cut with soap and water To stop bleeding, cover the wound with sterile

gauze and apply direct pressure to the site for 15 minutes or more

Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and to keep dressing from sticking to the wound Apply dressing and wrap/compress accordingly

Change the dressing daily or as needed

Lacerations: Treatment

Injury where the layers of skin are torn off

completely or a flap of skin only remains Can cause considerable bleeding

Open: Avulsions

Clean the wound with soap and water If a flap of skin remains, carefully replace it

back in its original position If a very large piece of skin has fallen off,

place the skin in a plastic bag of ice and transport to dr. The skin might be able to be saved Stitches might be needed or skin grafting in

very severe cases

Avulsions: Treatment

When a sharp pointed object penetrates the

skin Examples: nails, tacks, knives, needles, etc.

Open: Puncture Wounds

Find out of any part of the object is still in the

wound Determine whether any other tissue (nerves,

tendons, ligaments, organs, etc.) have been injured Might need a doctor for this

Clean the wound and apply pressure if bleeding (with sterile gauze)

Seek medical attention

Puncture Wounds: Treatment

Hematoma = blood and fluid pooled within a

tissue space, a compartment, or an organ They can form at any depth in almost any area of the body Usually the result of a contusion

Closed: Hematomas

RICE Padding on injury to prevent further injury

Hematomas: Treatment

See old notes in the injury section of “Intro to

Muscles”

Closed: Contusions and Ecchymosis