Chapter_044muscosketel

Care of the Patient With a Musculoskeletal Disorder

Functions of the Skeletal System

• Support: Provides framework for internal tissues and organs.

• Protection: Shields internal structures (e.g., cranium protects brain).

• Movement: Enables leverage for movement through muscle attachments.

• Mineral Storage: Stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus; releases when needed.

• Hematopoiesis: Blood cell formation occurs in red bone marrow, which may convert to yellow with age.

Divisions of the Skeletal System

1. Axial Skeleton

   • Composed of skull, hyoid bone, vertebral column, thorax.

2. Appendicular Skeleton

   • Composed of upper and lower extremities, shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle.

Structure of the Musculoskeletal System

• Bones and Joints: Framework of the body.

• Muscles: Necessary for movement and contraction.

• Types of Body Movements: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, supination, pronation, dorsiflexion, plantar flexion.

Functions of the Muscular System

• Motion: Facilitates body movements.

• Maintenance of Posture: Supports standing upright.

• Production of Heat: Assists in thermoregulation—important for physiological function.

• Venous Return: Aids in the return of blood to the heart.

Diagnostic Examinations for Musculoskeletal System

• X-ray

• Laminography

• Scanography

• Myelogram

• Nuclear scanning

• MRI

• Computed tomography

• Bone scan

• Aspiration (including synovial fluid aspiration)

• Endoscopic examination

Types of Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Serious form of arthritis that leads to crippling.

• Characterized by chronic inflammation of synovial membranes.

Osteoarthritis

• Degenerative joint disease; nonsystemic and noninflammatory.

• Commonly affects hand, knee, hip, cervical, and lumbar joints.

• Symptoms: Pain and stiffness.

Gouty Arthritis (Gout)

• Caused by uric acid accumulation.

• More common in men; onset often at night.

• Symptoms: Excruciating pain and swelling in joints.

Osteoporosis

• Disorder resulting in loss of bone density.

• High-risk group: Women aged 55-65.

Bone Healing Process

1. Hematoma Formation: Bleeding at fracture site.

2. Organization: Hematoma organizes and forms a fibrin network.

3. Callus Formation: Osteoblasts enter and create a callus.

4. Remodeling: Bone is strengthened and reformed.

Common Soft Tissue Injuries

Contusions

• Most common injury; severity varies.

• Management: Ice application for vasoconstriction.

Sprains

• Result from joint hyperextension; can cause hemarthrosis.

• Management (RICE): Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Strains

• Microscopic tears from overstretching.

• Symptoms: Soreness, stiffness, tenderness.

Dislocations

• Subluxation: Partial dislocation.

• May require closed reduction or surgery for correction.

Phantom Pain

• Occurs in amputees; nerves send pain messages despite absent limb.

Spine Deformities

• Kyphosis: Rounded thoracic spine.

• Scoliosis: Lateral curvature.

• Lordosis: Lumbar spine curvature.

Degenerative Diseases

• Conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, etc., affecting nervous system health.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Attacks central nervous system; damages myelin.

• Symptoms vary; includes fatigue and mobility issues.