Avulsion

Avulsion is the forcible tearing away of a body part or tissue from its normal position. The term comes from the Latin avulsus, meaning torn away. In medical use, avulsions can involve skin, bone, teeth, nerves, or organs and are typically the result of trauma or sudden traction.

Skin avulsion describes the tearing away of a flap of skin and underlying tissue. The wound is often large, irregular, and contaminated; treatment usually includes cleansing, removal of nonviable tissue, possible reattachment or grafting of the flap, and measures to prevent infection, such as tetanus prophylaxis and antibiotics when indicated.

An avulsion fracture occurs when a tendon or ligament pulls a fragment of bone away from its normal insertion. These injuries commonly require immobilization and may necessitate surgical fixation if the fragment is large or joint stability is compromised.

Dental avulsion refers to a tooth that is completely displaced from its socket. Replantation is ideally performed as soon as possible; if immediate replantation is not feasible, the tooth should be stored in milk or saline and transported to urgent dental care within 30 minutes to maximize the chance of tooth survival. Outcomes depend on tissue viability, time to treatment, and proper handling.

Prognosis and prevention: The prognosis varies by tissue type and injury severity. Early, appropriate treatment improves healing and function. Prevention includes protective gear and safety measures to reduce the risk of high-energy trauma.