Download Mechanism of Injury

MECHANISM OF INJURY
Mechanism of Injury
 It can help explain the type of injury,
outcomes and injury combinations.
 It indicates the need for additional diagnostic
workup and reassessment.
 It is related to the type of injuring force and
subsequent tissue response.
 The effect of injury depends on personal
and environmental factors.
 Force = mass × acceleration
Mechanism of Injury
 Blunt injury
 Penetrating injury
 Stab wound and impalement
Blunt Injury
 They are caused by a combination of forces
 Multiple injuries are common with blunt
trauma
 They are more life threatening than
penetrating injuries
 It includes MVCs, falls, assaults and contact
sports
Types of forces
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Acceleration
Deceleration
Shearing
Crushing
Compressive resistance
Penetrating injury
 Injury produced by foreign object
penetrating the tissue
 Severity of injury is related to the structure
damaged
Stab wounds and impalements
 They are low velocity injury
 The main determinants of injury include:
– Length, width and trajectory of penetrating object
– Presence of vital organs in the area of wound