Soft Tissue Injuries

Question 1

Strain

Answer 1

• Pulled muscle injury to the muscle/tendon unit
• Tendons connect muscle to bone
• Causes edema & muscle spasms

Question 2

Sprain

Answer 2

• Injury to ligaments & supporting muscle fiber around joint
• Ligament is bone to bone
• Sprains are more severe:
  > take longer to heal
  > less blood flow to ligaments
  > joint very tender
  > edema; affects mobility

Question 3

Strain & Sprain Treatment

Answer 3

• Immobilize
• NSAIDs
  > goal: reduce inflammation
• RICE
  > rest
  > ice (only for abt 20 mins)
  > compression
  > elevation (for swelling)
  sprains take longer to heal, treatment is the same

Question 4

Muscle/Tendon Tears: Rotator Cuff

risk factors
CMs
dx

Answer 4

• Risk Factors
  > falls
  > heavy lifting
  > aging
  > repetitive motions
  > smoking
• CMs
  > pain
  > limited use
• Diagnosis
  > arm drop test
  > MRI (best)

Question 5

Muscle/Tendon Tear: Rotator Cuff

treat
nursing

Answer 5

• Treatment
  > PT/NSAIDs
  > Surgery
• Nursing
  > RICE
  > postop care; teach home care: incision care, infection S/S