Soft Tissue Injuries

What are non-contractile soft tissues, and how are they typically injured?

Ligaments and joint capsules. Injured by tensile overload, repetitive microtrauma, or compressive forces.

What are contractile tissues, and how are they typically injured?

Muscles and tendons. Injuries occur from eccentric overload or forceful contraction

What is compartment syndrome and why is it dangerous?

Soft tissue damage caused by swelling with unyielding structures of non-elastic tissue or device

What can lead compartment syndrome lead to

Vascular compromise, hypoxia, and possible necrosis.

What are the four phases of wound healing

clot formation, inflammation, proliferation (new tissue and blood vessel formation), and remodeling (collagen restructuring and tissue strengthening).

What are the 5 P’s of compartment syndrome?

Pain, Paralysis, Paresthesia, Pallor, Pulselessness.

What causes a joint capsule injury?

Dislocation, direct trauma, repetitive stress, overuse, degeneration, or inflammation

What happens after a joint capsule injury?

Increased vascularity and fibrosis thicken the capsule, reducing mobility. Effusion stretches the capsule and ligaments.