What is an avulsion?

An avulsion refers to a type of injury where a body part or structure is forcibly torn away from its normal attachment. This can involve skin, tendons, ligaments, or even bone fragments. The process typically results from a significant amount of force, such as in accidents or trauma, leading to the complete or partial detachment of the tissue. This definition aligns precisely with the chosen answer, highlighting the severity of the injury and the mechanisms involved. Understanding avulsions is crucial in medical contexts, as these injuries may require surgical intervention, depending on what has been torn away and the extent of the damage.

Other options describe different types of injuries; excessive stretching pertains to strains rather than avulsions, severe bruising relates to contusions, and fractures through the skin refer to open fractures, which are distinct from the process of avulsion. Each of these terms addresses specific types of injuries that do not encompass the definition or implications of an avulsion.