When would a soft-tissue injury likely require surgical intervention?

A soft-tissue injury likely requires surgical intervention when there is significant tissue loss or ongoing bleeding that cannot be controlled. This situation indicates that the injury is more severe and may involve important structures such as arteries, veins, or even nerves. If significant tissue is lost, surgical procedures might be necessary to repair the area or to prevent complications such as infection or further damage.

Ongoing bleeding that cannot be controlled also poses a serious risk to the patient’s health, as it may lead to hypovolemic shock or other complications. Surgical intervention may be required to stabilize the bleeding and manage the injury effectively.

In contrast, the other scenarios presented do not typically warrant surgical intervention. For instance, a patient being able to walk on the injury may suggest that it’s not severe enough to require surgery. Decreasing swelling is usually a sign of healing and does not indicate the need for surgery. Lastly, the absence of pain can occur in less severe injuries and does not imply the necessity for surgical treatment, particularly if there is still significant tissue integrity.