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Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal Injuries

Definition

Any injury that occurs to a skeletal muscle, tendon,
ligament, joint, or a blood vessel that services
skeletal muscle and any related tissues
Risks

Sport participation

Healthy and active lifestyle
Long term consequences

majority of these injuries are resolved without
significant long-term consequences
Short term consequences

Decreased physical strength

Nerve impulses slow

Circulation and metabolic rates will slow

Bone mineral density decreases

Collagen level decreases in the connective
tissues

Reduced cardiorespiratory function

Reduced glycogen storage
Common causes of
musculoskeletal injury

Single traumatic event

Physical overloads

Overtraining

repetitive use
Frequency of injury occurrence

Age


Most occur in individuals 15-25 years of age
Male vs Female


Frequency of the different types of
musculoskeletal injuries is relatively equal
Different types of specific injuries occurred
more frequently due to the physiological
differences between men and women
Frequency of injury occurrence


25% of all athletes will expect to sustain a
musculoskeletal injury in a 12-month period
Higher level athletes have an increased risk for
injury d/t greater physical stresses and risks.
Frequency of injury occurrence

25% foot and ankle

22% Knee injuries

11% Back injuries

Injuries to the lower leg, thigh, hip, shoulders,
and the hand/forearm structure each occur at
frequencies of between 5% and 10%
Injuries to the Musculoskeletal
System
Injuries to the musculoskeletal system can be
classified according to the body structures
that are damaged. Some injuries may
involve more than one structure.
4 Basic types of musculoskeletal
injuries

Fractures

Dislocation

Sprain

Strain
Common Signals of
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Signals of serious injury:


Deformity
Moderate or severe pain or discomfort, swelling and
discoloration

Inability to move or use the affected body part

Bone fragments protruding from a wound

Victim feels bones grating or felt or heard a snap or pop
at time of injury

Loss of circulation or sensation in an extremity

Tingling, cold or bluish color below the site of the injury

Cause of the injury that suggests the injury may be
severe
Fracture



a medical condition
in which there is a
break in the
continuity of the
bone
occur when bone
cannot withstand
outside forces
can occur because
of direct blows,
twisting injuries, or
falls
Dislocation



a separation of two bones where they meet at a
joint.
dislocated bone is no longer in its normal
position.
dislocation may also cause ligament or nerve
damage.
Dislocation
Causes


usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint.
usually occurs following a blow, fall, or other
trauma.
Dislocation

Symptoms

Visibly out of place,
discolored, or
misshapen

Limited in movement

Swollen or bruised

Intensely painful,
especially if you try to
use the joint or bear
weight on it
Sprain

an injury to ligaments
Sprain

caused by a ligament being stretched too far
Strain


injury to a muscle or tendon
can either be a stretching or tear of the muscle
or tendon
Strain

Causes



pulling too far on a muscle,
pulling a muscle in one direction while it is
contracting (called an 'eccentric contraction')
in the other direction
caused by chronic activities that develop an
overstretching of the muscle fibers.
Sprain / Strain

Symptoms

pain

swelling

Bruising

loss of the ability to move and use the joint

instability
Sprain / Strain Assessment


Grades
commonly graded according to the extent of the
injury.

Grade I and Grade II


usually be treated conservatively with treatments such as
icing and physical therapy.
Grade III

can place individuals at higher risk for permanent
instability, and an operation may be a necessary part of
treatment.
Sprain / Strain Assessment
Care for Musculoskeletal Injuries

Check first for any life-threatening conditions.
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if —
The injury involves the head, neck or back.


The injury impairs walking or breathing.

You see or suspect a fracture or dislocation.

You see or suspect multiple musculoskeletal injuries.
Check for any non-life threatening conditions and care
for any other injuries.

General Care
The general care for musculoskeletal injuries
includes following RICE:
Rest

Immobilize

Cold

Elevate

If you are unsure whether the injury is serious, care
for it as if it is a serious injury.

Take steps to minimize shock.

Comfort and reassure the victim.
