Which type of soft-tissue injury involves tearing of skin and underlying tissue?

The correct answer is an avulsion, as this type of injury specifically involves the tearing away of skin and underlying tissues. An avulsion occurs when a portion of skin and tissue is forcibly separated from the body, which can include not just the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) but also deeper structures such as fat, muscle, and potentially other underlying tissues.

Understanding the nature of an avulsion helps when assessing the severity of soft-tissue injuries. Because avulsions often result in significant loss of both skin and underlying tissues, they require careful management to control bleeding and prevent infection. Additionally, avulsions might necessitate surgical intervention to properly address the injury.

This distinguishes an avulsion from other soft-tissue injuries. For instance, a laceration refers to a cut that may not involve the complete tearing away of tissue. A contusion is a bruise that occurs from blunt force trauma, leading to discoloration and swelling without a break in the skin. A puncture is a wound made by a pointed object that penetrates the skin but does not involve tearing away of the tissue. Each of these injuries presents unique challenges and requires different treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific nature of soft-tissue injuries.