Hematoma

Definition

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood that is trapped within the body's tissues, usually caused by a break in a blood vessel. It is a common consequence of physical trauma or injury, and can occur in various parts of the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hematomas can range in size from small, localized collections to large, diffuse accumulations of blood.
2. The location of a hematoma can vary, including under the skin, within muscles, or between bones and soft tissues.
3. Hematomas are often accompanied by pain, swelling, and discoloration of the affected area.
4. The body's natural healing process can resolve smaller hematomas, but larger or deeper ones may require medical intervention.
5. Untreated hematomas can lead to complications, such as the formation of scar tissue or the development of chronic pain.

Review Questions

• Explain how a hematoma can occur as a result of a bone fracture.
  • When a bone is fractured, the surrounding soft tissues and blood vessels can be damaged, leading to the formation of a hematoma. The bleeding from the ruptured vessels accumulates in the area, creating a localized collection of blood trapped within the tissues. This hematoma can contribute to the pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with a bone fracture, and may also impede the healing process if not properly managed.
• Describe the role of a hematoma in the bone repair process following a fracture.
  • During the initial stages of bone repair after a fracture, the hematoma that forms at the site of the injury plays a crucial role. The hematoma provides a scaffold for the formation of a callus, which is the first step in the bone healing process. The cells within the hematoma release growth factors and cytokines that stimulate the recruitment and differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone formation and remodeling. As the callus develops and the bone begins to heal, the hematoma is gradually resorbed and replaced by new bone tissue.
• Analyze the potential complications that can arise from a hematoma in the context of a bone fracture and how they may impact the overall healing process.
  • Unmanaged or persistent hematomas at the site of a bone fracture can lead to several complications that may impair the healing process. A large or expanding hematoma can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, causing pain, swelling, and potentially compromising blood flow to the area. This can delay or disrupt the formation of the callus and the subsequent stages of bone repair. Additionally, hematomas can become infected, leading to the development of osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection that can further complicate the healing process and may require aggressive treatment. In some cases, the organization and ossification of the hematoma can result in the formation of heterotopic bone, which can interfere with normal joint function. Recognizing and addressing hematomas in a timely manner is crucial for optimizing the outcomes of bone fracture healing.

Related terms

Ecchymosis: A discoloration of the skin caused by the leakage of blood into the surrounding tissues, often seen as a bruise.

Hemorrhage: Uncontrolled, often severe bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel.

Contusion: A type of injury that occurs when small blood vessels under the skin rupture, causing a bruise.