Abrasion – Removal of part of the surface of the skin. There is often oozing from the capillaries on the surface of the dermis. Conventionally referred to as a ‘graze’

Avulsion – The forced separation of two parts; with wounding, this is when a flap of skin and associated tissue has been partially or completely removed

Amputation – Removal of a portion of a limb or the complete limb

Closed wound – An internal injury caused by a blunt direct force to the surface of the body. The skin itself is intact but there is injury to the underlying tissues

Cut (incised wound) – A breach of the skin caused by a sharp edge

Contused wound – Loss of continuity of the tissue with surrounding bruising

Contusion – An area of bruising due to the effect of a blunt force

Haematoma – An accumulation of blood due to bleeding beneath the skin as a result of a blunt direct force

Healing by primary intention occurs when the edges of the wound are already adjacent or can be brought together (e.g. with sutures or Steri-Strips)

Healing by secondary intention occurs when there is significant tissue loss from the wound and regrowth of skin cover is required. With secondary intention healing wound contraction is more prominent. This can lead to significant deformity or contractures if the defect has been large

Laceration – A tear of the skin caused by a blunt force; it is usually irregular in shape

Puncture wound – A wound with a narrow path made by, for example, a nail

Wound – Any interruption by violence or surgery of the continuity of the external surface of the body or the surface of an internal organ. Strictly, a wound is a disruption of the continuity of tissue.