An injury that separates various layers of soft tissue, resulting in complete detachment or a flap of skin, is called a(n):

An injury that separates various layers of soft tissue and leads to a complete detachment or a flap of skin is known as an avulsion. This type of injury is characterized by the tearing away of skin and underlying tissue, often leaving a portion of skin attached, which may resemble a flap. It commonly occurs in situations where there is a significant force applied to the skin, such as in accidents or severe trauma.

An avulsion can have serious implications for healing and management because it can expose underlying tissues, increase the risk of infection, and may require surgical intervention to repair or reattach the detached flap. This is why distinguishing avulsions from other injuries is crucial in emergency medical services.

In contrast, an incision refers to a cut produced by a sharp object, typical in surgical procedures, while a laceration is a more irregular, jagged wound that does not necessarily indicate the same level of tissue loss or separation seen in avulsions. An amputation involves the complete removal of a body part, which is distinctly different from a flap formation of skin seen in avulsions. Understanding these definitions is essential for appropriate treatment and management of soft-tissue injuries.