Contuse

Contuse A contuse, commonly known as a bruise, is a type of hematoma of tissue in which capillaries and sometimes venules are damaged by trauma, allowing blood to seep, hemorrhage, or extravasate into the surrounding interstitial tissues. The bruise then appears as a discoloration on the skin.

Causes

Contusions are typically caused by a blunt impact to the body that crushes underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin. Common causes include:

• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Car accidents
• Physical altercations

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a contuse is a visible discoloration of the skin, which can range from red to purple, blue, green, yellow, and brown as the bruise heals. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a contuse is usually based on the appearance of the affected area and the patient's history of trauma. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI may be used to rule out more serious injuries like fractures or internal bleeding.

Treatment

Treatment for a contuse typically involves:

• Resting the affected area
• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
• Elevating the injured limb
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Complications

While most contusions heal without complications, severe bruising can lead to:

• Compartment syndrome
• Myositis ossificans
• Hematoma

Prevention

Preventing contusions involves taking precautions to avoid trauma, such as:

• Wearing protective gear during sports
• Using seat belts in vehicles
• Ensuring safe environments to prevent falls

See also

• Hematoma
• Ecchymosis
• Petechia
• Soft tissue injury

Related Pages

• Hematoma
• Ecchymosis
• Petechia
• Soft tissue injury
• Sports injuries
• Compartment syndrome
• Myositis ossificans