What is the definition of an avulsion?

An avulsion is defined as a flap of skin that is pulled loose from its underlying structures. This type of injury occurs when a portion of skin and sometimes underlying tissues is torn away, which can be a result of trauma or an accident. The torn skin may remain partially attached, creating a flap that can be quite significant in terms of the damage it causes, potentially exposing deeper tissues such as muscles, tendons, or even bones.

In contrast, the other definitions do not accurately capture the nature of an avulsion. A cut of varying lengths refers to lacerations, which are different from an avulsion as they do not involve a flap of skin. Scraping or wearing away of the skin aligns more with abrasions, which do not involve a tear and do not have a flap. Excessive bleeding accumulation under the skin describes a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels and does not involve the skin being torn away. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in trauma care and proper wound management.