If two parts of a structure are completely separated, what type of injury is this known as?

Transection is the type of injury characterized by a complete severing of soft tissue structures, effectively resulting in two distinct parts. This term is frequently used in medical contexts, particularly when discussing injuries to nerves or blood vessels where the connections are fully disrupted. In cases of transection, the separation is significant enough that the two components can no longer communicate or connect with each other, which often leads to severe functional impairments.

In contrast, avulsion refers to a situation where a structure, such as a tendon or ligament, is torn away from its attachment point but not completely severed. A fracture involves a break in a bone, typically maintaining some connection between the fragments. Compression injuries result from sustained pressure that can damage tissue without necessarily causing a disconnection between parts. Understanding these distinctions is critical in both diagnosis and the formulation of an appropriate treatment plan for injuries.