Strains and Sprains

Question 1

What is a strain?

Answer 1

• tearing or stretching of tendon or muscle
• results when the musculotendious unit lacks the flexibility, strength, or endurance to accommodate the demands placed on it.

Question 2

What is a sprain?

Answer 2

• tearing or stretching of a ligament
• caused by forces that stretch some or all of the ligamentous fibers beyond their elastic limit;
• results in some degree of rupture of the fibers or their bony attachments.

Question 3

What is the etiology of a strain?

Answer 3

1. direct blow
2. excessive stretching
3. repetitive loading
4. laceration

Question 4

What is a mild (first degree) strain?

Answer 4

• no gross disruption of the musculotendinous unit
  1. signs and symptoms
• • localizes pain and swelling
• • no loss of strength or ROM
• • pain with RROM

Question 5

What is moderate (second degree) strain?

Answer 5

• some degree of gross disruption of musculotendinous unit

1. signs and symptoms include decreased strength and AROM

Question 6

What is a severe (third degree) strain?

Answer 6

• one or more components of the musculotendinous unit is disrupted (rupture)
  1. signs and symptoms–significant decrease strength and AROM

Question 7

What is a mild (first degree) sprain?

Answer 7

• some fibers torn; no clinical or functional loss of integrity of fibers
  1. signs and symptoms–localized tenderness and swelling

Question 8

What is a moderate (second degree) sprain?

Answer 8

many but not all fibers torn with clinical evidence of joint instability

Question 9

What is a severe (third degree) sprain?

Answer 9

complete disruption of the ligament which can occur at the bony attachment or within the structure of the ligament

Question 10

How do you diagnose a sprain or strain?

Answer 10

1. Medical History
2. Comprehensive Physical exam
3. Resting and stress x-ray
4. Arthrogram
5. Arthroscopy

Question 11

What is the treatment for sprains and strains?

Answer 11

1. RICES
   - R: Rest
   - I: Ice
   - C: Compression
   - E: Elevation
   - S: Support
2. Bracing
3. Surgical Repair
4. Medications

Question 12

What are some examples of sprains and strains?

Answer 12

1. Separated shoulder
2. Anterior dislocation of GHJ
3. Impingement of rotator cuff
4. Subluxation of long head of biceps
5. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
6. Lateral Epicondylitis
7. Boutonniere Deformity- PIP flexed, DIP extended
8. Mallet finger
9. Knee
   - terrible triad: ACL, MCL, Menisci