If there are swelling and ecchymosis in the limb, the extent of swelling and the color of ecchymosis may be used for judging the nature of trauma. For example, the case of serious swelling with purplish ecchymosis suggests that there may exist fracture or severe injury of tendons. The case of swelling with a little or no ecchymosis generally indicates a mild trauma. In the early stage of trauma, if there is remarkable localized swelling, it may be a fissured fracture or an avulsed fracture. The case of serious swelling with purplish color of the skin is a fresh trauma. A large area of swelling with purplish or dark color of the skin is usually indicative of a severe crush injury. The case of mild swelling with purplish or yellowish green color of the skin usually indicates an old trauma.