How do injuries affect the skeletal system

They are usually due to shearing and avulsion forces, although compression also plays a significant role. Given the remarkable healing potential of bone in youngsters, fractures that initially united with some deformity can completely remodel and appear totally normal in later life. As the risk of injuries sustained by young athletes can be significant, it is essential that training programmes take into account their physical and psychological immaturity, so that the growing athlete can adjust to their own body changes.

Abstract The increasing frequency of injury in young athletes over the last 2 decades reflects the increases in sports participation of children of a young age.

A break in the continuity of bone which may result in partial or complete disruption of the bone. Fractures are further classified as open or closed. Open fractures : in which there is a break through the overlying skin and connective tissue with exposure of the broken bone Figure Open versus closed fracture. It can be inside-out Figure 14 where the broken end of the bone breaks through or pierces the skin, or outside-in where the external force causes laceration and breaks the layers till the bone.

The latter has a higher likelihood of contamination. Inside-out open fracture. Closed fracture : the bone is broken with no skin penetration or connection with the exterior surface Figure Initiate IV antibiotics usually broad-spectrum type to cover both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria , in addition to tetanus prophylaxis.

DO NOT re-place protruding bone or explore the wound nor clamp any vessel at the emergency setting and wait for the orthopedic physician. In general, during clinical examination for suspected fractures, look for the following signs: Discoloration.

Any open wounds over or near a joint should be assumed to extend to the joint till proven otherwise. Serious complications of open fractures are: Soft tissue infection.

An appliance made of wood, metal, or plaster used for the fixation and protection of an injured part of the body aiming to: immobilize the injured body part. Control hemorrhage. An attempt should be made to straighten a severely deformed limb with gentle traction only if there are no distal pulses, if resistance is felt, stop and splint as it lies.

Common complications that can be seen with splinting include abrasions, sores, neurovascular compromise due to tight fitting splints, contact dermatitis, pressure ulcers, and thermal burns. Splints should be applied by skilled and trained professional, applied splint correctly followed by neurovascular status checkup. Volar short splint which is used for wrist fractures, fractures of the second to fifth metacarpal bones, carpal tunnel syndrome, and soft tissue injuries Figure Finger splints which are used for phalangeal fractures Figure Gutter splint which can be used for phalangeal fractures and metacarpal fractures; these are two types: radial and ulnar Figure Buddy taping of toes used to secure the fractured toe to the adjacent one with adhesive strips; it is necessary to apply a small pad or sheet between toes to prevent maceration Figure Thumb spica splint used for scaphoid fractures, extraarticular fractures of the thumb and ulnar collateral ligament injuries Figure Stirrup splint is a below knee splint wrapping around the ankle to immobilize ankle fractures Figure Posterior leg splint is used for distal leg fractures, ankle fractures, tarsal fractures, and metatarsal fractures Figure A displacement of bone ends at the joints Figures 22 — 24 resulting in an abnormal stretching of the ligaments around the joints.

Also called luxation, occurs when there is an abnormal separation in the joint where two or more bones meet [ 9 , 10 ]. Sometimes causes tearing or complete ligament separation; a partial dislocation is referred to as subluxation. They are easily recognized and diagnosed; the impact area may be swollen or look bruised with associated redness or discoloration. It may also have a strange shape or be deformed as a result of the unexpected or unbalanced trauma.

Some of the other symptoms associated with dislocated joints include: Limited or lost motion. Posterior shoulder dislocation on X-ray. Shoulder dislocation. Ankle dislocation. X-ray is usually the preferred method of imaging in the emergency department, on occasion, special imaging such as an MRI may be required for diagnosis to roll out associated fractures or tear in muscles and ligaments.

According to Johns Hopkins University, initial treatment for any dislocation involves R. E: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

If the joint does not return to normal naturally, treatment options should be one or more of the following: Manipulation or repositioning sedatives or anesthetics are necessary to keep the patient comfortable and also to allow muscles near to the injured joint to relax, which eases the procedure.

Surgery is usually indicated only if there are damaged nerves or blood vessels, or if the doctor is unable to return bones to their anatomical position. Surgery may also be necessary for those who often dislocate the same joints, such as recurrent shoulder dislocations. A prolonged elevation of interstitial tissue pressure within an enclosed fascial compartment leading to impaired tissue perfusion and damage.

Associated with increased vessel permeability and plasma leak into the intercellular space causing further pressure on muscles and nerves Figure 25 ; it might result in death if not treated before 8—12 h [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Acute compartment syndrome of the left foot.

This serious and critical musculoskeletal complication can be caused by direct blow or contusion, crush injury, burns, snake bites, fractures, hematoma, and prolonged pressure from splinting. It is characterized by severe pain especially with stretching, tense compartment, tight and shiny skin. Late findings can be paresthesia, loss of pulses, and pain out of proportion. Treatment of ACS is urgent surgical exploration with fasciotomy Figure It should be noted that any case with prolonged ACS of more than 8—12 h can have permanent deformity and limb viability may possibly be lost.

During management, every effort should be used to release all compartments; the main focus is on reducing the dangerous pressure in the body compartment. Dressings, casts, or splints that are constricting the affected body part must be removed. Early recognition and diagnosis, pain control, keeping the body part with ACS below the level of the heart to improve blood flow into the compartment , treatment of shock, prevention of metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury AKI are all mandatory and crucial to save the patient limb [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].

The incidence and socioeconomic impact of musculoskeletal diseases globally is increasing due to multiple factors. Prevention of these injuries can be achieved by providing an environment in which the worker has a safe surrounding, improved awareness about what possible danger injuries might occur, a clear path to elevation of such danger in the time of need.

Occupational safety measures should always be optimal with nearby kits to aid in on-site management. With the increased demand for building and aiming to touch the clouds with sky-high skyscrapers comes great responsibility to care more about providing a healthy working environment.

The frequency of musculoskeletal injury and its concomitant burden on the healthcare system is expected to increase greatly in the coming decades. Physicians are required to keep up with this leap. A well-established basic knowledge of such injuries is very crucial and can be lifesaving and cost-effective especially in the emergency department. The previous injuries we discussed are not by any chance everything in the musculoskeletal system; we chose the most common and the most essential ones, discussed briefly.

We strongly encourage every physician to take this chapter and consider it as a base and build upon it with further reading and practice. Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3. Help us write another book on this subject and reach those readers. Login to your personal dashboard for more detailed statistics on your publications.

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It is a disease in which your bones become weak and are more likely to break. There are no symptoms until a bone breaks. It is a disorder that causes bones to grow too large and weaken. Scoliosis in Children and Teens What is scoliosis? It is a disorder causing a sideways curve of the spine. Curves are often S- or C-shaped. In most people, there is no known cause for this curve. Spinal Stenosis What is spinal stenosis?

The musculoskeletal system can be accredited for your ability to move and any muscle or motor function you posses. The skeletal system is what protects all your organs. Reproductive system which, as the name suggests, controls your sexual and reproductive functions and abilities. What do these systems even do? About the Author: Douglas W.

About: Dr. Stoddard is a consultant to the Canadian Military and has consulted with well over 30, unique patients in his career. He is the proud father of two boys, is an avid triathlete and occasional guitar player.