Biomechanics

By Amanda Brunner

Abrasions, Lacerations, and Contusions

Even the best of us know all to well the risk of injury each and every time we climb into the saddle. I'm here to talk about what the medical field would classify as minor injuries. Minor or not, there are precautions to take to ensure quick recovery.

Abrasions, more commonly called scrapes, are caused by a rubbing injury that strips of the outer layer of the skin. If fatty tissue is seen then it is no longer an abrasion, it is a full thickness avulsion and should be seen by a medical professional.

Proper cleaning and treatment of an abrasion is very important due to the fact that most likely there is dirt and gravel embedded in the scrape. Begin by placing a pain reliever gel or spray on the scrape. Wash the scrape thoroughly and begin scrubbing with a mesh like material. Scrub vigorously until the wound is clean. When that is completed place Betadine on the gauze pad and apply a good amount of antibiotic on the abrasion to prevent the gauze pad from sticking. Bandage up the sbrasion; if possible place a non-stick pad on the abrasion. Change the dressing every day, if the bandage sticks soak the bandage in warm water with a tiny amount of soap. It will heal quicker if it is bandaged for the first 3 to 5 days, after that remain uncovered to let the scrape dry out. It will take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks to fully heal depending on the severity of the scrape.

Basic Laceration. llustration copyright 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Lacerations are also known as cuts or tears in the skin. A cut that does not penetrate entirely through the dermis (the second layer of skin) is called a “partial thickness” laceration. A tear that extends through the fatty layer is called a “full thickness” laceration.

No matter what precautions are taken after a laceration occurs a scar will develop. Proper treatment can reduce the scar, but not eliminate it. To treat a laceration at home first make sure that the cut will line up completely, if it does not, you may need to see a physician. Cleaning the wound is the most important since many lacerations that occur with mountain biking usually contain gravel, dirt or grease. Rinse the cut out with Betadine. Dry the skin thoroughly. Tape across the wound with Steri-Strips, and pad the wound with gauze for extra protection.

When do you see a physician for stitches? If the cut keeps popping open due to being on a knuckle or joint, if the skin is folded over and there is a big gaping hole, or if you are able to see fatty tissue.

After the initial care, keep the wound dry and change the bandage daily. Stop dressing the wound when it appears to be healed and it is no longer tender. It takes approximately 10 to 14 days to fully heal.

Basic contusion. Illustrations copyright 2000, 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The best treatment for a contusion is the “RICE” method: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.

Keep ice on for 30 minutes every 2 hours and keep that body part elevated. Use an elastic wrap as a compress. Repeat this procedure for the first 48 hours. Keep the elastic wrap on for 2 to 3 days

If the contusion is still very painful and the body part is still unable to be used after an hour of rest or there is still a lot of swelling you should probably see a physician. This could be a serious injury as you may have broken a bone, torn, or sprained a tendon.

Infection can occur at any time and could be dangerous. If you notice any redness around the wound, red streaks, swelling that doesn't subside, a yellowish, foul smelling drainage, fever, tender bumps in the groin or armpit, or an unexplained increase in pain or tenderness you should see a doctor immediately.