WHAT ARE THEY They are injuries to muscles, nerves, tendons ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal discs.
WHAT KIND OF INJURIES ARE MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES 1. Fractures- -Open -Closed 2. Dislocations 3. Sprains 4. Strains
FRACTURES A break in the continuity of the bone CLOSED: " The overlying skin remains intact " There is either a break or crack in the bone OPEN: " Wound extends from the surface of the body to fracture site " Usually caused by the broken bone " There is the possibility of infection
TYPES OF FRACTURES DIRECT (Open) " The break occurs at the point of contact " Typical in open fractures " Extreme force is involved INDIRECT (Closed) " The force is transmitted along the bone " The injury occurs away from the point of impact " Auto accidents ( femur, hip, pelvis, knee) sports injuries, falls OTHER TYPES- TWISTING " Distal (farthest part) remains stationary " Proximal (closest part) rotates " Shearing type of fracture " Football and Skiing is where this type occurs the most STRESS FRACTURE- Occurs in feet from prolonged walking or running
OPEN: MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES " Open wounds " External bleeding " Obvious swelling " Deformation of limb SIGNS & SYMPTOMS " The sound of the bone breaking CLOSED: " Pain and discomfort " Swelling " Strange color (bruising) " Cannot move limb or part " Very tender
OPEN: MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES FIRST AID FOR FRACTURES " Keep the victim completely still " Do not elevate limb " Check for circulation " Watch ABC s " Treat for shock if needed Closed: " Keep the victim completely still " Splint the area that is affected " Check for feeling, warmth and color " ABC s " Treat for shock if needed
DISLOCATIONS " Displacement of bone end from articulating surface at joint " Pain or pressure is most common symptom " Principal sign is deformity " May experience loss of motion of joint " Falls, auto accidents, sports injuries " Subluxation- Partial dislocation of the joint
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS " Deformation- It just does not look right " Moving is difficult " Swelling " Tenderness
FIRST AID " Immobilize so victim cannot move the area affected " Use a splint if necessary " Ice " DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESET THE BONE " Nerves, blood vessels pass very close to bone. Pressure on these structures can occur " Checking the following is important Pulse presence Pulse strength Sensation
SPRAINS " Stretching, tearing of ligaments surrounding joint " Occurs when joint is twisted beyond normal range of motion " Most common = Ankle " Happens during falls or in sports " Can also happen in other areas, like the knee
SPRAINS-SIGNS & SYMPTOMS " Characteristics Pain Tenderness Swelling Discoloration Typically does not manifest deformity
FIRST AID FOR SPRAINS " RICE, rest, ice, compression, elevation, " Immobilization " When in doubt, splint " When in doubt, splint
STRAINS " Tearing, stretching of musculotendonous unit. " Spasm, pain on active movement " Usually no deformity, swelling " Pain present on active movement " Happens when muscles are overstretched " Improper lifting techniques or lifting heavy objects
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS " Sharp pain in affected muscle " Muscle stiffness " Swelling " Muscle spasms
FIRST AID " Cold/Heat application/rice cold best if in first 48 hours to reduce swelling 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off- 1 st 48 hrs. heat best if after 48 hours to increase circulation no direct application to soft tissue " wrap in towel or gauze
ODDS, ENDS AND TIDBITS Different types of names for fractures " Transverse: Bone is broken at an angle " Greenstick: Bone is splintered without a complete break- most common in children " Spiral: Bone is broken like a coiled spring " Commuted: Bone is broken into 3 or more pieces " Over 70% of trauma patients suffer some type of musculoskeletal injury- typically non-life threatening but there some that can be i.e. broken femur
" Sports Training " Seat Belt use " Child Safety Seat use Prevention Strategies " Airbag use " Gun Safety and Education " Motorcycle education and protective equipment " Fall prevention " Can you think of others?