Which type of soft-tissue injury generally does not bleed heavily but can become infected?

Puncture wounds are generally characterized by a small, deep opening in the skin caused by a sharp object, such as a nail or a needle. These injuries typically do not bleed heavily because they penetrate deeply into the tissue without cutting large blood vessels. However, because of their nature, puncture wounds can easily become infected. The small opening can trap bacteria, and since these wounds may not create a significant amount of outward blood flow, the body's natural cleaning mechanisms are less effective in removing debris and pathogens. Therefore, it's essential to properly clean and monitor puncture wounds for signs of infection.

Contusions, on the other hand, result from blunt force trauma and can cause significant bleeding beneath the skin, leading to bruising. Avulsions involve the tearing away of skin and tissue and can also lead to heavy bleeding, depending on the extent of the injury. Incisions are clean cuts that may bleed significantly if major vessels are involved. Thus, puncture wounds uniquely fit the criteria of not bleeding heavily while having a risk for infection.