ContUsed

Contused is the adjective form associated with contusion, describing tissue that has been injured by blunt trauma and damaged without breaking the skin. A contused area typically involves small blood vessel rupture with leakage into surrounding tissues, producing swelling and discoloration known as a bruise or ecchymosis.

Causes and sites: contusions result from direct blows, crush injuries, falls, or collisions, and can involve skin and subcutaneous tissue, muscles, or internal organs. Superficial contusions may create skin discoloration; deeper contusions affect muscle fibers and may limit movement.

Clinical features and diagnosis: pain, tenderness, swelling, and localized ecchymosis are common. Diagnosis is usually clinical; imaging such as ultrasound or MRI is reserved for suspected fractures, deep tissue injury, or complications.

Treatment and prognosis: management focuses on protection and symptom relief. In the acute phase, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are commonly advised; analgesics may be used. Most contusions heal within days to weeks; larger injuries carry a greater risk of hematoma, swelling, and rare complications like compartment syndrome or myositis ossificans.

See also: contusion, bruise, ecchymosis.