Synonyms
Definition
Penetrating wounds are caused by objects that penetrate the body, that is, they pierce the skin and lacerate, disrupt, destroy, or contuse adjacent tissue, thus creating an open wound. Penetrating injuries can have multiple etiologies; the most common are gunshot wounds and sharp instruments. The material and anatomic properties of the host and the ones of the injuring element determine the extent of tissue damage.
Some of the instruments involved in penetrating wounds include:
Firearms: Method that uses a powder charge to fire a projectile.
Sharp instruments: Knifes, razors, swords, icepicks, or any pointed instruments (e.g., chisel or broken glass).
Epidemiology and Etiology
An estimated 50,000 persons die annually in the USA as a result of violence-related injuries. Homicide is the second leading cause of death for persons aged 15–24 years, the third leading cause for persons aged 25–34 years, and the fourth for persons...
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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Asensio, J.A., Verde, J.M. (2012). Penetrating Wounds. In: Vincent, JL., Hall, J.B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Intensive Care Medicine. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00418-6_489
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00418-6_489
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