What characterizes an avulsion injury?

An avulsion injury is characterized by a loose flap of skin and soft tissue that is partially torn away from the underlying structures. This type of injury occurs when a force pulls on the skin, resulting in a segment of skin being separated from its normal anatomical position. It can happen in various situations, such as during accidents or sports injuries, and may involve not only the skin but also the underlying muscles and tissues.

This distinctive feature of having the skin and soft tissue partially detached clearly differentiates avulsion injuries from other types of wounds. For instance, a complete fracture refers to a break in the continuity of a bone, which is unrelated to soft tissue damage. Likewise, a puncture wound is caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, leading to a small, deep wound rather than a flap of tissue. Finally, a deep laceration involves a cut that may penetrate deeply but typically does not result in the skin being torn away in a flap-like manner, as is seen with avulsions.