AET 261- MSK

Forces that may cause injuries to the MSK system

Most commonly mechanical but can also happen from heat, chemicals, or electricity

MSK injuries are especially dangerous when:

a bone breaks and causes damage to other internal structures such as organs or blood vessels

Fracture

partial or complete break or disruption in bone

dislocation

displacement or separation of a bone from its normal position at a joint

sprain

partial or complete tearing of ligaments or other tissues at a joint

strain

stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon fibers

Types of MSK injuries that typically can be associated with an emergency

Fractures and dislocations

Closed fracture

skin is not disrupted at the fracture site

Open fracture

skin is disrupted at the fracture site

complete fracture

discontinuity of bone, 2+ fragments

incomplete fracture

partial discontinuity of bone

complicated fracture

muscular, ligamentous, intra-articular, neurovascular, and visceral issues

uncomplicated fracture

minor soft tissue pathology

occult fracture

fracture is not visibly demonstrated, but is suspected based on clinical examination

Keys for MSK injuries

protecting the athlete’s view of the injury (especially if there’s deformity) and be careful to how we react and what we say

complete ligament sprain

the complete tearing of the ligament when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion

previously torn ligaments

joints are more unstable and vulnerable to re injury

Most common area for muscle or tendon strains

muscle belly because tendons are typically stronger than muscle fibers

5 common s/s of MSK injuries

Pain, swelling, deformity, discolouration, inability to use the affected part

s/s that suggest a fracture

significant deformity, crepitus, snapping or popping at the time of the injury, MOI, moderate to severe swelling and discolouration, inability to move or use the affected body part

RTC for fractures

bone protruding (open fracture), loss of sensation or circulation, cool to the touch, long bone or pelvis

POLICE

Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation