introduction to soft tissue injuries Flashcards
what are examples of radiology images that can be used to see soft tissue injuries?
X ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan
what processes does the inflammatory phase of healing involve after an acute/ traumatic injury?
vasodilatation, exudate of tissue fluids, oedema, stimulation of pain fibres
what does the proliferative phase of injury healing involve?
elimination of debris, revascularisation, fibroblast proliferation
what processes does the remodelling phase of soft tissue injury involve?
maturation of collagen fibres, contraction of wound .. can continue up to 6 months
what are the main aims of treatment during the inflammatory phase of injury?
to minimise pain and loss of function
minimise traumatic exudate
promote rapid acceleration to subsequent phases
what are examples of general factors that can delay healing?
Age
protein deficiency
vitamin deficiency
medication - eg NSAID’s
chronic disease
what are examples of local factors which can delay healing?
type and size of injury
poor blood supply to the area
infection
continued inflammation
excessive movement too early
what does the elastic limit represent on the stress strain curve?
it represents the maximum stress that is possible for the tissue in order for it to return to its original shape once the load is removed
why do bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilages all have different shapes to their stress stain curves?
because they are made from different materials - ie some might be more rigid or more elastic than others
what is the stress strain curve?
how the structure of the tissue changes in response to increasing stresses
what does the acronym POLICE stand for in acute injury management?
P= Protect
OL= Optimal Loading
I= Ice
C= Compression
E=Elevate
what structures do ligaments attach?
they attach bone to bone
what is the function of a ligament?
they provide passive stability to a joint - can allow movement to take place in certain planes but not others
what are ligaments made of?
70-80% collagen
3-5% elastic fibres
how would ligament injuries usually occur?
usually a force overload
can be due to trauma or a direct blow
what is a grade 1 ligament sprain?
microscopic or minimal tearing of a few fibres
is there loss of structural integrity with a grade 1 ligament sprain?
there is little or no loss of structural integrity
what are the signs/symptoms of a grade 1 ligament sprain?
little or no swelling
localised tenderness
minimal bruising
what is a grade II or moderate ligament tear?
moderate tearing of the ligaments collagenous fibres with some loss of structural integrity
what are the physical signs / symptoms of a grade II moderate ligament sprain?
structural weakness
some loss of ROM
more bruising and swelling
what does rehab for a grade II ligament injury normally involve?
modified rear and rehab, combined with careful introduction of increasing stress
may take 2-3 months before return to full physical activity
rehab must focus on proprioception
& balance to prevent reoccurrence