Mechanisms & Characteristics of Musculoskeletal and Nerve Trauma

what are the 5 primary mechanical forces

• tension

• compression

• shearing

• bending

• torsion

what is tension

a pulling force that stretches tissue outward, causing strains and sprains

what is compression

a crushing force that pushes tissue together, causing contusion and fractures

what is shearing

a force that slides parallel across surfaces, causing abrasions and blisters

what is bending

an uneven load that strains the outer side and compresses the inner side

what is torsion

a twisting force around an axis that can cause spiral fractures and ligament tears

what are the 3 classifications of muscle strains

• grade I (mild)

• grade ll (moderate)

  • grade 3 (severe)

what is a grade l muscle strain

mild micro-tear with minimal tissue damage, mild tenderness, and full ROM

what is a grade ll muscle strain

a moderate partial tear with significant fiber damage, impaired motor function, and painful active contraction

what is grade lll muscle strain

s severe, complete muscle rupture with total tissue division, loss of muscle function, and palpable defect.

what is tendonitis

acute tendon inflammation with warmth, swelling, and crepitus

what is tendinosis

microscopic tendon tissue degeneration without active inflammation

what is tenosynovitis

inflammation of the synovial sheath surrounding a tendon

what is muscle guarding

an involuntary muscle contraction that stabilizes an injured area

what is clonic spasm

alternating involuntary muscle contractions and relaxations

what is a tonic spasm

a sustained, rigid muscle contraction held for a prolonged period

what is ecchymosis

discoloration caused by blood leaking from ruptured capillaries into surrounding tissue

what is hematoma

a localized collection of blood around a bruised muscle

what is myositis ossification, and why is it significant

abnormal bone formation within muscle after severe or repeated impact. it can affect muscle function

how can myositis ossification be prevented

use proper protection, conservative ice application, and avoid early forceful stretching

what are the 3 classifications of ligament sprains

• grade l

• grade ll

  • grade lll

what is grade a l ligament sprain

ligament stretching without joint instability

what is a grade ll ligament sprain

a partial ligament tear with a moderate joint laxity

what is a grade lll ligament sprain

a complete ligament tear causing sever joint instability

what is the difference between a dislocation and a subluxation

• a subluxation is a partial dislocation where the joint surface slides back into place

  • a dislocation is a complete separation requiring reduction

what is osteoarthritis

degeneration of articular cartilage

what is bursitis

irritation and inflammation of a bursa that may cause excess fluid buildup

what is capsulitis

chronic inflammation of the synovial joint capsule

what are the different types of bone trauma and fracture classification

• greenstick

• comminuted

• spiral

• transverse

  • stress fracture

what is a greenstick fracture

an incomplete fracture commonly found in adolescent bones

what is a comminuted fracture

a fracture in which the bone breaks into three or more fragments

what is a spiral fracture

an S-shaped fracture caused by rotational twisting forces

what is a transverse fracture

a fracture with a straight break line perpendicular to the bones length

what is a stress fracture

microscopic bone breakdown that exceeds the bones ability to remodel under repetitive strain

what are the three grades of nerve trauma

• grade l neurapraxia

• grade ll axonotmesis

  • grade lll neurotmesis

what is grade l nerve trauma (neurapraxia)

a temporary nerve function block without structural axon damage. full recovery occurs within weeks

what is grade ll nerve trauma (axonotmesis)

axon disruption with the outer nerve covering preserved. regeneration is possible at approximately 1-2 mm per day

what is grade lll nerve trauma (neurotmesis)

complete nerve transection. surgical repair is required for potential recovery