Sprains and strains Flashcards
What is a sprain?
A stretch/ and or tear of the ligament
What is a ligament
A cross joint which joins one bone to the other
stabilises joints during rest and during normal RoM
dense bands of fibrous connective tissue- can cope with stretch
What is a strain?
A twist, pull and or tear of a muscle tendon
What is a grade 1?
- ligament, tendon or muscle is over stretched with only microtears
- discomfort, slight and temper limitation to function
- full recovery in 1-2 days
What is a Grade 2?
- Partial tear of ligament, tendon or muscle with immediate onset inflammatory signs
- may be extensive enough to disturb joint stability
- function is severely limited, recovery could take months
- muscle may be weaker so the joint has more movement
What is a Grade 3?
complete rupture of the ligament, tendon r msucle
Sprain- joint instability +++
Strain- inability to contract muscle and separation may be evident
Immediate acute pain, audible pop, crack or click
Inflammatory signs
Requires immobilisation and/or surgery
Management of soft tissue injury
Protection Ice Optimal loading Ice Compression- need to be compressed in order to create collagen Elevation
Healing by Primary Intention
this occurs where the tissue surfaces have been approximated (closed). This can be with stitches, or staples, or skin glue (like Derma bond), or even with tapes (like steri-strips). This kind of closure is used when there has been very little tissue loss.
Healing by Secondary Intention
A wound that is extensive and involves considerable tissue loss, and in which the edges cannot be brought together heals in this manner. This is how pressure ulcers heal. Secondary intention healing differs from primary intention healing in three ways:
The repair time is longer.
The scarring is greater.
The chances of infection are far greater.
How is a sprain or strain healed?
Connective tissue repair
