Contusions Flashcards
Define contusion
A crush injury to soft tissue that could result in damaging mm fibres, capillary rupture, bleeding into the subcutaneous tissue of skin and Edema. The skin remains intact
Define hematoma
Large area of local hemorrhage following a trauma ( the pooling of blood causes swelling and pain as it compresses nearby nerve endings)
Define bruising (ecchymosis)
Ranges from local minor discolouration , to large debilitating areas. You can also bruise the bone (confused) the periosteum
Define myositis ossificans
Occurs when the blood within the muscle calcifies, won’t show up right away ( X-ray can show 10 days post) can form within muscle or have attachment to a bone;
The more severe or frequent the contusions, the higher the risk of myositis ossificans
What are the causes of contusions?
Trauma due to direct blow, can have other injuries with it such as strains, sprains, dislocations, fracture.
What is the classification of a mild contusion?
1.) minor crush with minimal bleeding
2.) little, if any swelling
3.) possible discolouration
4.) minimal or no strength or motion loss
What is the classification of a moderate contusion?
1.) moderate crush with bleeding and swelling
2.) pain & spasm with restricted ROM
3.) stiffness, mild loss of strength
4.) local pain and tenderness
What is the classification of a severe contusion?
1.) severe crush with rapid bleeding and swelling
2.) possible visible deformity
3.) extensive swelling discolouration
4.) severe pain and spasm with ROM
5.) significant strength loss & tenderness
6.) palpable deformity or hematoma
What is the classification of an acute contusion?
1.) pain at rest, more pain on ROM
2.) inflammation
3.) muscle spasm
4.) discolouration ( red black blue)
5.) decrease in functional abilities
What is the classification of a subacute contusion?
1.) little pain at rest, mild pain with ROM
2.) some resolution of inflammation
3.) discolouration (green, yellow, brown)
4.) restricted functional abilities
5.) Edema
What is the classification of a chronic contusion?
1.) chronic Edema
2.) disuse atrophy
3.) fibrosis, adhesions
4.) cooler temperature due to ischemia
5.) increase or decreased sensitivity of the region ( nerve damage)
The first _____ hours are most critical to control the bleeding. Is may take this long to see the full extent of the injury.
24 hours
Why is swelling faster with a contusion then Edema?
Due to arterial blood supply being continuously supplied under pressure
What 5 factors may increase bleeding?
1.) stretching
2.) exercising
3.) heat
4.) alcohol and blood thinners
5.) vigorous massage
What questions might you ask a client with a contusion?
1.) when and what caused the injury?
2.) are you on medications that could thin your blood?
3.) what was done immediately after the injury?
4.) were you able to continue the activity?
5.) are there any complications? ( hematoma/ myositis ossificans/ nerve damage)
