What is a hematoma?

A hematoma is defined as localized bleeding that occurs outside of blood vessels, typically due to the rupture of a blood vessel, which causes blood to leak into surrounding tissues. As blood accumulates, it forms a mass that can range in size, often appearing as a swollen area that may change color over time, reflecting the breakdown of blood components.

In a clinical context, hematomas can occur from various types of injuries, including falls, blunt force trauma, or even surgical procedures. Their presence is significant in medical assessments, as they can indicate the severity of an injury and may require treatment if they cause pressure on surrounding structures or if they become infected. Therefore, understanding hematomas is crucial in both diagnosis and management of injuries in the high performance sports arena, where such occurrences are common.