Mechanics and Classification of Athletic Injuries

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to mechanics and classification of athletic injuries, useful for exam preparation.

Acute Injury

Mechanical failure of soft tissue due to excessive force occurring in a single bout, characterized by sudden onset and short duration.

Chronic Injury

Mechanical failure of soft tissue due to repeated micro-trauma occurring over an extended period of time, marked by gradual onset and prolonged duration.

Open Injury

An injury that breaks the surface of the skin, exposing underlying tissues.

Closed Injury

An injury that does not involve disruption of the skin surface, leaving the surface intact.

Load/Stress

An external or internal force acting on the tissue.

Deformation/Strain

The extent of deformation of tissue under loading, influenced by tissue composition, speed, frequency, and direction of loading.

Yield Point

The point at which load exceeds the mechanical capabilities of tissue, leading to mechanical failure.

Tension

A mechanical force that creates a pulling action, trying to elongate the structure.

Compression

A mechanical force that creates a pushing action, tending to shorten the structure.

Shear Force

A force that acts parallel to the cross-section or surface of a body, with two forces acting in opposite directions.

Torsion

A load that is applied to a structure causing it to twist about an axis.

Dislocation

A condition where a bone is forced out of its normal joint position, often requiring medical intervention.

Subluxation

A partial dislocation of a joint.

Sprain

Disruption of a ligament, often due to excessive stretching or tearing.

Strain

Disruption of a muscle or tendon due to overstretching or tearing.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues.

Nerve Injury

Injury caused by compression or tensioning of neural structures, leading to sensory disturbances like anesthesia or paresthesia.