Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dec 30, 2015
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Definition Any injury that occurs to a skeletal muscle, tendon,
ligament, joint, or a blood vessel that services skeletal muscle and any related tissues
Long term consequences
majority of these injuries are resolved without significant long-term consequences
Short term consequences
Decreased physical strength Nerve impulses slow Circulation and metabolic rates will slow Bone mineral density decreases Collagen level decreases in the connective
tissues Reduced cardiorespiratory function Reduced glycogen storage
Common causes of musculoskeletal injury
Single traumatic event Physical overloads
Overtraining repetitive use
Frequency of injury occurrence
Age Most occur in individuals 15-25 years of age
Male vs Female Frequency of the different types of
musculoskeletal injuries is relatively equal Different types of specific injuries occurred
more frequently due to the physiological differences between men and women
Frequency of injury occurrence
25% of all athletes will expect to sustain a musculoskeletal injury in a 12-month period
Higher level athletes have an increased risk for injury d/t greater physical stresses and risks.
Frequency of injury occurrence
25% foot and ankle 22% Knee injuries 11% Back injuries Injuries to the lower leg, thigh, hip, shoulders,
and the hand/forearm structure each occur at frequencies of between 5% and 10%
Injuries to the Musculoskeletal System
Injuries to the musculoskeletal system can be classified according to the body structures that are damaged. Some injuries may involve more than one structure.
Common Signals of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Signals of serious injury: Deformity
Moderate or severe pain or discomfort, swelling and discoloration
Inability to move or use the affected body part
Bone fragments protruding from a wound
Victim feels bones grating or felt or heard a snap or pop at time of injury
Loss of circulation or sensation in an extremity
Tingling, cold or bluish color below the site of the injury
Cause of the injury that suggests the injury may be severe
Fracture a medical condition
in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone
occur when bone cannot withstand outside forces
can occur because of direct blows, twisting injuries, or falls
Dislocation
a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint.
dislocated bone is no longer in its normal position.
dislocation may also cause ligament or nerve damage.
Dislocation
Causes usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint. usually occurs following a blow, fall, or other
trauma.
Dislocation
Symptoms Visibly out of place,
discolored, or misshapen
Limited in movement Swollen or bruised Intensely painful,
especially if you try to use the joint or bear weight on it
Strain
Causes pulling too far on a muscle, pulling a muscle in one direction while it is
contracting (called an 'eccentric contraction') in the other direction
caused by chronic activities that develop an overstretching of the muscle fibers.
Sprain / Strain
Symptoms pain swelling Bruising loss of the ability to move and use the joint instability
Sprain / Strain Assessment
Grades commonly graded according to the extent of the
injury. Grade I and Grade II
usually be treated conservatively with treatments such as icing and physical therapy.
Grade III can place individuals at higher risk for permanent
instability, and an operation may be a necessary part of treatment.
Care for Musculoskeletal Injuries
Check first for any life-threatening conditions.Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if —The injury involves the head, neck or back.The injury impairs walking or breathing.You see or suspect a fracture or dislocation.You see or suspect multiple musculoskeletal injuries.
Check for any non-life threatening conditions and care for any other injuries.