Physical trauma is defined as a serious bodily injury and is broken up into two main categories:
Penetrating trauma: When an object pierces the body or skin, typically leading to an open wound
Blunt force trauma: When a force or object strikes the body, potentially leading to broken bones, deep cuts, or concussions
Common causes of physical trauma include falls, motor vehicle crashes, burns, assaults, and gunshot wounds. Physical trauma can also be caused by surgery, which is sometimes referred to as a controlled injury.