Blunt trauma

Blunt trauma
Other names	Blunt injury, non-penetrating trauma, trauma
A woman with a black eye
Symptoms	bruising, occasionally complicated as hypoxia, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, hypovolemia, reduced cardiac output

Blunt trauma, also known as blunt force trauma or non-penetrating trauma, describes a physical trauma due to a forceful impact without penetration of the body's surface. Blunt trauma stands in contrast with penetrating trauma, which occurs when an object pierces the skin, enters body tissue, and creates an open wound. Blunt trauma occurs due to direct physical trauma or impactful force to a body part. Such incidents often occur with road traffic collisions, assaults, sports-related injuries, and are notably common among the elderly who experience falls.^[1][2]

Blunt trauma can lead to a wide range of injuries including contusions, concussions, abrasions, lacerations, internal or external hemorrhages, and bone fractures.^[1] The severity of these injuries depends on factors such as the force of the impact, the area of the body affected, and underlying comorbidities of the affected individual. In some cases, blunt force trauma can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention.^[1] Blunt trauma to the head and/or severe blood loss are the most likely causes of death due to blunt force traumatic injury.^[1]