Musculoskeletal Injuries

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Definition Any injury that occurs to a skeletal muscle, tendon,

ligament, joint, or a blood vessel that services skeletal muscle and any related tissues

Risks

Sport participation Healthy and active lifestyle

Long term consequences

majority of these injuries are resolved without significant long-term consequences

Short term consequences

Decreased physical strength Nerve impulses slow Circulation and metabolic rates will slow Bone mineral density decreases Collagen level decreases in the connective

tissues Reduced cardiorespiratory function Reduced glycogen storage

Common causes of musculoskeletal injury

Single traumatic event Physical overloads

Overtraining repetitive use

Frequency of injury occurrence

Age Most occur in individuals 15-25 years of age

Male vs Female Frequency of the different types of

musculoskeletal injuries is relatively equal Different types of specific injuries occurred

more frequently due to the physiological differences between men and women

Frequency of injury occurrence

25% of all athletes will expect to sustain a musculoskeletal injury in a 12-month period

Higher level athletes have an increased risk for injury d/t greater physical stresses and risks.

Frequency of injury occurrence

25% foot and ankle 22% Knee injuries 11% Back injuries Injuries to the lower leg, thigh, hip, shoulders,

and the hand/forearm structure each occur at frequencies of between 5% and 10%

Injuries to the Musculoskeletal System

Injuries to the musculoskeletal system can be classified according to the body structures that are damaged. Some injuries may involve more than one structure.

4 Basic types of musculoskeletal injuries

Fractures Dislocation Sprain Strain

Common Signals of Musculoskeletal Injuries

Signals of serious injury: Deformity

Moderate or severe pain or discomfort, swelling and discoloration

Inability to move or use the affected body part

Bone fragments protruding from a wound

Victim feels bones grating or felt or heard a snap or pop at time of injury

Loss of circulation or sensation in an extremity

Tingling, cold or bluish color below the site of the injury

Cause of the injury that suggests the injury may be severe

Fracture a medical condition

in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone

occur when bone cannot withstand outside forces

can occur because of direct blows, twisting injuries, or falls

Dislocation

a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint.

dislocated bone is no longer in its normal position.

dislocation may also cause ligament or nerve damage.

Dislocation

Causes usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint. usually occurs following a blow, fall, or other

trauma.

Dislocation

Symptoms Visibly out of place,

discolored, or misshapen

Limited in movement Swollen or bruised Intensely painful,

especially if you try to use the joint or bear weight on it

Sprain

an injury to ligaments

Sprain

caused by a ligament being stretched too far

Strain

injury to a muscle or tendon can either be a stretching or tear of the muscle

or tendon

Strain

Causes pulling too far on a muscle, pulling a muscle in one direction while it is

contracting (called an 'eccentric contraction') in the other direction

caused by chronic activities that develop an overstretching of the muscle fibers.

Sprain / Strain

Symptoms pain swelling Bruising loss of the ability to move and use the joint instability

Sprain / Strain Assessment

Grades commonly graded according to the extent of the

injury. Grade I and Grade II

usually be treated conservatively with treatments such as icing and physical therapy.

Grade III can place individuals at higher risk for permanent

instability, and an operation may be a necessary part of treatment.

Sprain / Strain Assessment

Care for Musculoskeletal Injuries

Check first for any life-threatening conditions.Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if —The injury involves the head, neck or back.The injury impairs walking or breathing.You see or suspect a fracture or dislocation.You see or suspect multiple musculoskeletal injuries.

Check for any non-life threatening conditions and care for any other injuries.

General Care

The general care for musculoskeletal injuries includes following RICE: RestImmobilizeColdElevate

If you are unsure whether the injury is serious, care for it as if it is a serious injury.Take steps to minimize shock.Comfort and reassure the victim.