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Avulsion

Definition

Tearing away of tissue, leaving a flap or a gap. Avulsions convey information about the direction of force because tissue pulls away in the direction the force was applied.

Related terms

Abrasion
A wound where friction or tangential force removes the superficial layers of skin without penetrating the full thickness. Abrasions preserve the direction...
Contusion (bruise)
Blunt-force trauma that ruptures small vessels beneath an intact skin surface. Blood collects in the tissue. Location, size, and shape can indicate...
Incised wound
A wound produced by a sharp-edged implement. Margins are clean, without contusion or bridging. Depth is less than length in a classic...
Laceration
A wound torn by blunt or shearing force, characterised by ragged, contused margins and tissue bridges crossing the wound depths. The distinction...
Patterned injury
A wound whose shape reflects the object that caused it, such as a bite leaving individual tooth impressions, a cord leaving parallel...

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