What distinguishes an open soft-tissue injury from a closed one?

The defining characteristic that distinguishes an open soft-tissue injury from a closed one is whether the skin is broken. An open soft-tissue injury occurs when there is a breach in the integrity of the skin, exposing underlying tissues to the external environment. This exposure increases the risk of infection and can significantly affect the management and treatment of the injury.

On the other hand, a closed soft-tissue injury does not involve a break in the skin, meaning that the tissues beneath the skin can be damaged without external exposure. Examples include contusions and strains. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper evaluation and treatment in clinical practice.