Soft Tissue Injuries

Ch. 28

Soft Tissue Injuries

The soft tissues of the skin have less resistance and are at greater risk for injury than the deeper, stronger tissues of muscle and bone.

The brain, heart, and lungs have more protection than most.

Most soft tissue injuries are minor and require little attention.

Soft tissues include:

• Layers of skin, fat, and muscles– Used to protect the underlying body

structures– Largest organ in the body– Provides a protective barrier for the

body– Regualtes body temp– Sensory information from environment

3 Layers of Skin:1. Epidermis:

- first and most outer layer- composed of five compressed layers

2. Dermis:- Second or middle layer- Known as the “true skin”

*includes: blood vessels, hair follicles, muscle

papilla, sweat & oil glands, and connective

tissue3. Hypodermis or Subcutaneous:

- most inner layer- contains: adipose tissue & fascia

Injuries damage the soft tissues at or near the skin’s surface or deep in the body.

When an injury occurs to the soft tissues, this is called a wound.

(5) Types of Wounds

1. Contusion (bruises):- damage to soft tissues and blood vessels- causes bleeding under the skin- example of a closed wound

The break in the skin can be minor or severe. The amount of bleeding depends on the location and severity of the injury.

2. Abrasion (a scrape, strawberry, carpet-burn, or road-rash):- most common open wound- the skin is peeled or scraped away

3. Laceration (a cut):- a knife, scissors, or broken glass- smooth or jagged edges- a blow from a blunt object splits the skin

4. Avulsion:- a portion of the skin is partially or completely torn away- partially avulsed piece of skin may remain but hangs like a flap

5. Puncture:- occurs when pointed objects like a nail, a piece of glass, or knife pierces skin- a gunshot wound- usually do not bleed a lot- can easily become infected

If an object remains in the wound, it becomes known as an impaled object.

If an object passes completely through a body part, it will make 2 wounds. The wounds will be at the entry and exit points.

To prevent infection, cleanse the area thoroughly.

If the wound is severe, a tetanus shot (antitoxins) should be administered (good for 10 years).

Tetanus:- a disease caused by a bacteria that produces a powerful poison in the body

Signs & Symptoms of Infected Wounds:1. swollen skin2. red skin3. skin warm to the touch4. a throbbing sensation

Care for Infection:1. keep the wound clean2. Elevate the area3. apply an antibiotic ointment