Definition
A laceration is a tear of skin, tissues or organs produced by blunt force trauma due to overstretching, crushing or compression of tissues beyond their elastic limit.
Features of laceration
- Caused by blunt force.
- Margins are irregular, ragged and bruised.
- Surrounding tissues show abrasion and contusion.
- Tissue bridges are present across the floor of the wound.
- Hair bulbs may be crushed.
- Edges are often undermined.
- Bleeding is comparatively less than in incised wounds.
- Foreign material such as dirt, grease, glass or gravel may be present.
- Depth is usually greater than apparent surface dimensions.