What does a contusion refer to?

A contusion refers specifically to a type of injury characterized by the rupture of blood capillaries beneath the skin, leading to bruising. When a contusion occurs, blood leaks out of these tiny blood vessels into the surrounding tissue, resulting in a discoloration that can vary in color over time, typically moving from red to purple, green, or yellow as it heals. This is different from an open wound, which involves a break in the skin; a surface scratch, which is more superficial; or a burn, which involves thermal or chemical damage to the skin. The definition of a contusion is centered on the impact injury and the resulting hematoma that arises from localized bleeding under the skin without breaching its surface, making it crucial to understand its implications in medical contexts.