Which of the following soft-tissue injuries is typically closed?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following soft-tissue injuries is typically closed?

A closed soft-tissue injury happens when the skin stays intact while underlying tissues are damaged. A contusion fits this because blunt force damages small vessels beneath the skin, causing bruising without an open wound. The skin remains closed, which is what defines a closed injury. In contrast, a puncture injury creates an entry wound as a pointed object penetrates the skin; an abrasion scrapes away the surface skin, often leaving an exposed area; a laceration is a cut or tear that breaks the skin with irregular edges. These involve openings in the skin, not a closed surface.

A closed soft-tissue injury happens when the skin stays intact while underlying tissues are damaged. A contusion fits this because blunt force damages small vessels beneath the skin, causing bruising without an open wound. The skin remains closed, which is what defines a closed injury.

In contrast, a puncture injury creates an entry wound as a pointed object penetrates the skin; an abrasion scrapes away the surface skin, often leaving an exposed area; a laceration is a cut or tear that breaks the skin with irregular edges. These involve openings in the skin, not a closed surface.

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