A scalp injury where a portion of the scalp is pulled away from the skull is referred to as what?

A scalp injury where a portion of the scalp is pulled away from the skull is referred to as an avulsion. In medical terminology, an avulsion describes a type of injury where a structure is forcibly detached. In the case of scalp injuries, this means that the skin, along with some underlying tissues, is torn away from the skull, which can expose bone and tissues underneath.

This type of injury is significant because it can lead to complications such as extensive bleeding and a higher risk of infection, requiring prompt medical attention. Understanding the nature of the injury can help in providing appropriate first aid and determining the urgency of further medical intervention.

In contrast, a laceration refers to a tear or cut in the skin, which may not involve complete separation as seen in an avulsion. A contusion is essentially a bruise resulting from trauma, where blood vessels are damaged but the skin remains intact. A puncture, on the other hand, refers to a wound made by a pointed object penetrating the skin, which is different from the detachment seen in avulsions.