Degloving is a severe traumatic injury where the skin and underlying soft tissues are forcibly torn away from the muscle, bone, or connective tissue beneath, resembling a glove being removed from a hand.

Types

Degloving injuries fall into two main categories: open degloving, where the skin tears visibly to expose deeper structures, and closed degloving, which occurs internally without breaking the skin surface, often leading to hidden bleeding and fluid buildup. Partial degloving affects only part of an area, while complete degloving involves total separation.

Causes

These injuries typically result from high-impact shearing forces in events like motor vehicle accidents, machinery mishaps, crush injuries, or animal bites. Extremities such as hands, legs, or arms are most commonly affected due to their exposure.

Severity

Degloving disrupts blood supply, heightens infection risk, and often requires urgent surgery like wound closure, tissue flaps, or grafts. It represents a medical emergency with potential for life-threatening complications if untreated.