Musculoskeletal TRAUMA Flashcards
Strain
stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon
muscle to bone
Sprain
stretching or tearing of a ligament
bone to bone
Contusion
injury to soft tissue that results in a hematoma
1st Degree Strain
- mild edema, pain, and muscle spasms
- ROM NOT affected
- may last 3-5 days
2nd Degree Strain
- Moderate
- Edema/bruising
- Pain/muscle spasms
- Loss of strength
- 2-3 weeks
3rd Degree Strain
- Complete Tearing
- Internal bleeding w/ bruising
- Severe pain, edema, muscle spasms
- Complete loss of function
- May need surgery
1st Degree Sprain
- stretching or minimal tearing
- edema/mild discomfort
- function unaffected
2nd Degree Sprain
- Moderate incomplete tearing
- Edema, redness, pain w/ moving
- Discomfort evident w/ weight bearing
3rd Degree Sprain
- Complete tearing
- Ambulation not possible
- Severe pain, redness, edema
Diagnostic Tests for Strains/Sprains
- X-rays
- CT Scans
- MRI
- Ultrasounds
Treatment for 1st-2nd Degree
R- rest I- ice (30 mins 5x a day) C- compression E- elevate NSAID's Splinting
3rd Degree Treatment
Surgery
- Arthroscopic
- Reconstructive
- Recovery is 4-6 weeks of immobilization and therapy
- Percocet/Norco
Complications of Sprains and Strains
- Joint instability
- Higher Risk for repeated injury
- Bursitis/ Tendonitis
- Limited Mobility
- Compartment Syndrome
Joint Dislocation
Articular surfaces of bone are no longer aligned
5 Types of Dislocation
- Total or Partial
- Congenital
- Spontaneous
- Traumatic
S/S of Dislocation
- Abnormal appearance of joint
- Shortening of affected limb
- Loss of normal mobility
- Confirmed w/ x-ray
Treatment for Dislocation
- Immediate immobilization
- Reduction ASAP
- Re-immobilize
- Neurovascular checks q 1-2 hours
When can the patient begin to move their extremity again after dislocation?
-Begin slowly progressing movement IF joint is stable
When may surgery be necessary?
If no stability can be attained
When is treatment considered emergent for a dislocation?
When it is traumatic and is to prevent Avascular Necrosis
Fractures
A disruption or break in the continuity of a bone
What might cause an elderly person’s bones to fracture?
- Weakened bones secondary to osteoporosis
- Loss of bone density due to aging
- Falls
What are the most common causes of fractures for teens-young adults?
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
Where do fractures in young children often occur?
Growth plates