Lacerations
Lacerations
Lacerations (/læsəˈreɪʃən/) are a type of wound that occur when skin, tissue, and/or muscle is torn or cut open. Lacerations may be deep or shallow, long or short, and wide or narrow.
Etymology
The term "laceration" is derived from the Latin lacerare which means "to tear". It has been used in the English language since the late 15th century.
Types of Lacerations
There are several types of lacerations, including:
- Incised Lacerations - These are caused by a clean, sharp-edged object such as a knife, razor, or glass shard.
- Avulsion Lacerations - This type of laceration occurs when skin and tissue is not just cut, but torn away from the body.
- Shear Lacerations - These lacerations are the result of two forces moving in opposite directions, causing the skin and underlying tissues to tear.
- Split Lacerations - These occur when two surfaces of the skin are pressed together and then pulled apart, like in a crushing injury.
Treatment
Treatment for lacerations involves cleaning the wound to prevent infection, closing the wound with stitches (if necessary), and bandaging the wound. In some cases, a tetanus shot may be required.
Related Terms
- Abrasion - A wound caused by superficial damage to the skin.
- Contusion - A bruise, or an injury that damages blood vessels under the skin.
- Puncture Wound - A type of injury that is caused by an object piercing the skin.
- Wound Healing - The process by which the body repairs damage to the skin and tissue.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lacerations
- Wikipedia's article - Lacerations
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