Exam 2: Mechanisms and Characteristics of Musculoskeletal and Nerve Trauma

These flashcards cover key concepts related to mechanisms and characteristics of musculoskeletal and nerve trauma, including types of injuries, forces involved, and definitions relevant for athletic trainers.

What are the different types of forces that can produce stress and strain on tissue?

Compression, tension, shearing, bending, and torsion.

What is the main difference between acute trauma and chronic overuse injuries?

Acute refers to physical injury caused by an external or internal force, while chronic overuse involves repetitive movements that lead to injury over time.

What happens during a compression force?

External loads are applied toward one another on opposite surfaces, causing the tissue to shorten and widen, potentially resulting in fractures or contusions.

What defines a tension force in relation to tissue?

A tension force pulls or stretches tissue apart, elongating it and potentially causing muscle strains or ligament sprains.

Describe shearing forces and an example of an injury they can cause.

Shearing forces act parallel to surfaces causing movement, resulting in injuries like skin abrasions or dislocations.

What occurs during a bending force applied to a structure?

Bending forces act at opposite ends of a bowed structure, where one side experiences compression while the other side experiences tension, possibly leading to fractures.

Define muscle strain and how it occurs.

A muscle strain is the tearing of muscle fibers, usually resulting from overstretching or contracting against too much resistance.

List the grades of muscle strain and their characteristics.

Grade 1: mild stretching; Grade 2: moderate tearing; Grade 3: complete rupture of the muscle.

What is muscle guarding and how is it different from muscle spasms?

Its a protective contraction in response to pain, and muscle spasms are involuntary contractions that often occur suddenly and can interfere with voluntary movement.

What is tendinitis and how does it relate to tendinopathy?

Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, a specific type of tendinopathy, often caused by repetitive movements leading to pain and swelling.

What is a contusion and what causes it?

A bruise, that occurs due to a direct impact from an external object causing bleeding into the soft tissues.

What are synovial joints and their key features?

Joints that allow motion, characterized by cartilage-covered surfaces, a ligamentous joint capsule, and synovial fluid for smooth movements and shock absorption.

What is the difference between dislocation and subluxation?

When a bone is completely out of its normal alignment and must be manually or surgically reduced, whereas subluxation involves a partial dislocation that self-corrects.

What are the main symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms include pain relieved at rest, joint stiffness, localized tenderness, and creaking or grating noises.

What causes a stress fracture and what are its signs and symptoms?

Repetitive abnormal stress, and signs include swelling, point tenderness, and pain that may be present during activity but not at rest.

How can nerve injuries affect sensory perception?

Can lead to diminished feeling, increased sensations (pain, touch), numbness, and radiating pain.

What is the definition of a strain in connective tissues?

An injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching or excessive tension.

Identify the four main categories of tissue injuries.

Contusions, sprains, strains, and fractures.

Explain what a sprain is.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by excessive stretching or tearing.

What role do ligaments play in joint stability?

Connect bones to other bones at joints, providing stability and support.

List the common signs of a muscle strain.

Pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion.

What is the RICE method in injury management?

RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, a protocol for managing acute injuries.

Describe osteoporosis and its effects on bones.

A condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to fracture.

What is the significance of warm-up exercises before physical activity?

To prepare muscles for exertion, increasing blood flow and reducing injury risk.

How do body mechanics contribute to injury prevention?

Align the body's structure to minimize stress on tissues and prevent injuries.

What is the purpose of rehabilitation following an injury?

Rehabilitation aims to restore function, strength, and mobility, allowing a safe return to activities.