Musculoskeletal Impairment Signs & Symptoms

Visible Physical Indicators and Deformities

  • Deformity: Any visible abnormality in the shape or structure of a limb or body part.

  • Exposed Bone: This is specifically noted as a sign occurring after trauma.

  • Bleeding: Visible hemorrhaging associated with the injury (Stanley, 2020a; Stanley, 2020b).

  • Asymmetrical Appearance: Lacking symmetry when comparing one side of the body or a specific limb to its opposite counterpart (Stanley, 2020a; Stanley, 2020b).

  • Bruising: Discoloration of the skin resulting from underlying tissue damage or hematoma.

  • Swelling: Edema or enlargement of the affected area due to inflammation or fluid accumulation.

Sensory and Subjective Patient Symptoms

  • Pain on Movement: Physical distress or discomfort triggered by mobilizing the affected area (Stanley, 2020a; Stanley, 2020b).

  • Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch or pressure at the site of impairment.

  • Reduced or Altered Sensation: Neurological changes including paresthesia; a specific example provided is the sensation of "pins and needles" (Stanley, 2020a; Stanley, 2020b).

Functional and Motor Impairment

  • Reduced Range of Motion (ROM): Limitation in the normal distance and direction a joint can move.

  • Difficulty Weight Bearing: Inability or significantly impaired ability to support body weight on the affected limb or structure (Stanley, 2020a; Stanley, 2020b).

  • Spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions in the vicinity of the musculoskeletal injury.

  • Altered Motor Function: Any change or impairment in the ability to move or control muscle groups.

Neurovascular and Circulatory Implications

  • Compromised Circulation: This is often identified by assessing the area distal to the fracture or injury. Signs of compromised circulation include:

    • Extremities appearing pale.

    • Extremities feeling cool to the touch.

    • Numbness in the extremities distal to the injury (Stanley, 2020a; Stanley, 2020b).

  • Peripheral Pulse Changes: Pulses may be decreased in strength or entirely absent in the affected limb or distal to the injury site.

Source Documentation and References

  • Stanley, D. (2020a). A person-centred approach to assessing the musculoskeletal system. In P. LeMone, G. Bauldoff, P. Gubrud, M. Carno, T. Levett-Jones, M. Hales, K. Berry, K. Carville, T. Dwyer, N. Knox, L. Moxham, K. Reid-Searl, & D. Stanley (Eds.), LeMone and Burke’s medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking for person-centred care (4th ed., pp. 1364–1382). Pearson Australia.

  • Stanley, D. (2020b). Nursing care of people with musculoskeletal trauma. In P. LeMone, G. Bauldoff, P. Gubrud, M. Carno, T. Levett-Jones, M. Hales, K. Berry, K. Carville, T. Dwyer, N. Knox, L. Moxham, K. Reid-Searl, & D. Stanley (Eds.), LeMone and Burke’s medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking for person-centred care (4th ed., pp. 1383–1416). Pearson Australia.