Basics of Inert Soft Tissue Injuries, Fractures, and Healing

Vocabulary flashcards defined precisely according to the lecture material covering soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, fracture classifications, cell types, and fracture healing phases.

Inert soft tissue

Tissue that supports joint structure and function without active contraction—includes ligaments, tendons, fascia, bursae, cartilage, and joint capsules.

Bursa

A fluid-filled sac near joints that produces synovial fluid for lubrication, waste removal, and nutrition.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa, typically caused by repetitive movements.

Sprain

A ligament injury caused by stretching or tearing, characterized by rapid edema, pain, and bruising.

Strain

A muscle or tendon injury producing pain, stiffness, difficulty moving, and a characteristic "catch" sensation.

Granulation tissue

Healing tissue in its middle regenerative stage—new connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form during wound repair.

Avulsion fracture

A fracture where a ligament or tendon pulls a fragment of bone away from the main mass during a severe sprain mechanism.

Compartment syndrome

A surgical emergency where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compresses nerves and vessels, causing decreased sensation and compromising neurovascular function.

Callus

The fibrocartilaginous bridge formed by fibroblasts during fracture healing over 2-6 weeks, which is later mineralized by osteoblasts into true bone.

Fibroblasts

Connective tissue "builder" cells that produce collagen and form a callus over 2-6 weeks during fracture healing.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that invade and convert/mineralize a callus into mature bone over 3 weeks to months.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside vessels that forms as blood pools immediately following a bone break.

Edema

Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissues.

Osteoporosis

A condition of reduced bone density and mass resulting in softer bones, which compounds fall risk and increases fracture risk in the aging population.

Bone density

Mineral content per unit volume of bone, which decreases with aging.

Transverse fracture

A fracture pattern where the break goes straight across the shaft of the bone.

Oblique fracture

A fracture pattern where the break goes diagonally across the shaft of the bone.

Spiral fracture

A complete fracture pattern where the break twists around the bone.

Comminuted fracture

A fracture characterized by multiple fracture lines and bone fragments.

Greenstick fracture

An incomplete break where one side of the bone breaks and the other side bends, typical in children due to more pliable bones.

Compression fracture

A fracture caused by a crushing or collapsing force, commonly occurring in the spine.

Complete fracture

A fracture where the bone breaks into two or more separate pieces.

Incomplete fracture

A partial break in a bone, such as a greenstick fracture.

Open (compound) fracture

A fracture with disruption of the overlying skin and potential bone exposure, carrying a high infection risk.

Closed fracture

A fracture where the overlying skin remains intact, regardless of the fracture pattern.

Impacted fracture

A fracture resulting from crush injuries where one end of the bone is forced into the other.

Pathological fracture

A fracture occurring through abnormally weak bone (due to osteoporosis or degenerative bone diseases) without significant trauma.

Stress fracture

A tiny crack in the bone caused by repeated stress or repetitive movement, commonly occurring in the feet.

Depressed fracture

A skull fracture where bone fragments are pushed inward into the brain.