| References / Related Articles | |
| Bleeding | View |
| Bleeding into the skin | View |
| Broken bone | View |
| Compartment syndrome | View |
| Cuts and puncture wounds | View |
| Smashed fingers | View |
A crush injury occurs when a body part is subjected to a high degree of force or pressure, usually after being squeezed between two heavy objects.
Damage related to crush injuries include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Compartment syndrome (increased pressure in an arm or leg that causes serious muscle, nerve, blood vessel, and tissue damage)
- Fracture
- Laceration (open wound)
- Nerve injury
- Secondary infection
See also:
- Smashed fingers
- Wounds
- Stop bleeding by applying direct pressure.
- Cover the area with a wet cloth or bandage, then raise the area above the level of the heart, if possible.
- Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or local hospital for further advice.
Crush injuries usually require emergency department evaluation, and surgery may be needed to fully correct and treat the problem.
Review Date: 1/8/2012
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
