MOD E Tech 30 Musculoskeletal injuries Flashcards
Define the main classification of musculoskeletal injuries
- Fractures – A break in the continuity of the bone
- Dislocation – The head of a bone becomes displaced at a joint
- Strain – Overstretching of a muscle or a tendon
- Sprain – Occurs at a joint. Caused by the wrenching or tearing of ligaments
Briefly describe the main types of fracture
Open Fracture
Closed Fracture
Causes of Fractures
- Direct Force
- Indirect Force
- Muscular Action
- Pathological
State the signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries
Deformities
Crepitus
Pain
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- •Irregularities
- Loss of function
- Unnatural movement
•
State the general management of musculoskeletal injuries
General Management
- If in doubt always assume a fracture is present
- Treat a fracture before moving patient – if safe
- Reassure the patient and gain consent for treatment
- Administer Entonox before starting immobilisation
- Immobilise fractures , avoiding direct pressure to the injury site – use built up dressings to protect an open fracture
- Consider realignment of grossly deformed fractures
- For hip/neck of femur fractures, strap injured leg to other leg – pad in between
- Pass bandages under the natural hollows of the body and secure on the opposite side to the injury
- If possible, slightly elevate the injured part
- Perform pre and post immobilisation checks (MSC x 4)
Clinical Performance Indicators
Compartment Syndrome
- Forearm and lower leg most common
- Swelling compresses nerves and vessels
- Increased pressure within muscular compartments of a fractured limb may compromise the circulation causing ischaemia
- “5 P’s”
- If suspected, manage the fracture as normal but with an increased sense of urgency and with a hospital pre-alert as surgery may be required
Compartment Syndrome
•5 P’s
- Pain
- Pallor
- Parasthesia
- Pulselessnes
- Perishing with cold
Elevation (Triangular) Sling
Elevation slings are
used to support
fractures of the:
- Hand
- Upper arm
- Clavicle
- Shoulder
- Ribs, sternum & scapula
Dislocation - Causes
- Direct Force
- Indirect Force
- Pathological
Dislocation - Signs & Symptoms
•As for a fracture, except there is fixation of the joint – no movement.
•
•Difficult to differentiate between a fracture and a dislocation if the injury is near a joint
Dislocation Management
•Manage as for a fracture
But
•Don’t attempt to move or straighten the injury
•
•Immobilise by the best means possible
Sprains & Strains
Cause of a Sprain
- Overstretching or tearing of ligaments at a joint.
- Caused when the joint moves beyond its normal range
Cause of a Strain
- Overstretching or tearing of a muscle.
- Caused when excessive tension or force is applied to a muscle e.g. field sports or overreaching.
Signs & Symptoms
Sprains & Strains
- Swelling, severe with a sprain
- Severe cramp with a strain
- Bruising
- Pain worsened by movement
- Tenderness
Management of Sprains & Strains
