Aseel Samaro

Exploring problems with skeletal system

This patient suffers from scoliosis which causes abnormal curvature of the spine

You can see it more clearly in the X-ray of her spine.

Scoliosis can present frombirth (congenital)unknown origin (idiopathic)

Exploring problems with skeletal system

The skeletal system is made up of:BonesTendonsLigamentsCartilageMuscles

Medical problems can arise with any of these components, ranging from fractures to genetic conditions that we inherit.

The diagnosis and treatment of these problems have changed over time.

Exploring problems with skeletal system

With 206 bones in the human skeletal system, it is no surprise that bones are sometimes broken.

Bones contain collagen, which allows them to bend a little.

However, with a large enough impact bones can splinter, break or shatter.

Break a leg

Bone breaks, or fractures, can often be treated by covering the limb with a plaster cast of glass fibre.

This holds the bones in place while new bone knits (joins) the broken ends together.

More severe fractures require metal pins fastening through the broken bones to hold them in place while healing takes place.

An open, or compound, fracture is one in which the skin is broken.This has a much higher risk of infection and usually requires surgery.

Broken bones can heal in a cast Broken bones can be seen in an X-ray image.

Suggest how a fracture may happen.

Describe how a fracture may be treated.

Explain why a compound fracture is often more serious than other fractures.

From the age of approximately 35, the density of bones decreases naturally.

In some people, the density drops below a healthy level and bones become fragile, making them prone to fractures.

This condition is called osteoporosis.

Treatment for osteoporosis includes taking drugs to strengthen the bones.

Other problems with the skeletal muscles

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints.

In one form of arthritis, the cartilage at the end of the bones wears away and bones rub together.

This can be very painful.

In severe cases, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint.

Other problems with the skeletal muscles

Explain why sufferers of osteoporosis are prone to fractures.

Explain why arthritis can be so painful.

As technology improves, diagnosis of fractures by X-rays has become more precise.

Surgical techniques have also improved recovery from serious fractures.

As scientists learn more about osteoporosis, they can advise on how to avoid this disease.

In the past, all that could be done was to treat the fractures.

Medical advances

Scientists are also learning more about genes so that diagnosis of genetic conditions affecting the skeletal system is now possible.

Genetic counselling allows parents at risk of passing on a condition to be informed of the risks and consequences.

Medical advances

Describe three improvements in treating skeletal system problems.

more precise X-rays; improved surgery; increased knowledge of avoiding damage

People with hypermobility syndrome are sometimes described as being ‘double jointed’.

In the past, people with this condition performed in circuses and sideshows as clowns.

The condition results in joint pain and dislocation of joints.

Did you know?