injury

(in′jŭ-rē)

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[L. injuria, injustice]
Blunt or penetrating trauma or damage to a part of the body. SEE: transportation of the injured; SEE TABLE: Traumatic Injuries

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
Various symptoms may occur depending on the nature, extent, and severity of the damage. Mild injury produces pain, tissue swelling, redness, and temporary disruption of tissue function. Severe injury may result in irretrievable loss of the function of an organ, massive hemorrhage, or shock.

Traumatic Injuries
Type of InjuryParts of the Body Frequently AffectedCommon Causes
AmputationLimbsExplosions; motor vehicle accidents; falls
AvulsionSkinFalls; scrapes
BiteHands; facePets (dogs and cats); humans (interpersonal violence)
BlastExposed body parts; hearingExplosions
BurnLimbsCooking; accidental fires
ContusionFace; limbs; trunkFalls; interpersonal violence; sports accidents
CrushLimbsBuilding collapse; motor vehicle accidents; occupational accidents
DislocationsLimb jointsFalls; sports; vehicular accidents
FracturesLong bones; vertebraeFalls; sports; vehicular accidents
InhalationAirways; mouth, nasopharynxFires
LacerationLimbs, faceKnives, glass, other sharp objects; falls; sports
OveruseTendons and muscles of the limbsRepetitive use on the job or in sports
PenetrationAnyGunshots; sharp objects
Traumatic brain injuryHeadFalls; sports; vehicular accidents

Mechanisms of Brain Injury
Type of InjuryExamples
Penetrating injuryGunshot wounds
Contact injuryInjuries during boxing or helmet-to-helmet collisions in football
Acceleration-deceleration injuryAutomotive collisions
Rotational acceleration-deceleration injuryFalls from a height

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