Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal Injuries
INJURIES
Skeletal System
Skeletal system
provides support
and form
Also provides some
protection to vital
organs against
injury
Skeletal System
Skeletal system also
precipitates
movement
Muscles would not
be able to perform
without skeletal
support &
connection
Muscular System
Dislocation
Disruption of a joint
Sprain
Joint injury with
tearing of ligaments
Strain
Stretching or tearing
of a muscle
Mechanism of Injury
Force may be applied in several
ways:
Direct blow
Indirect force
Twisting force
High-energy injury
Fractures
Closed fracture
A fracture that does
not break the skin
Open fracture
External wound
associated with
fracture
Nondisplaced fracture
Simple crack of the
bone
Displaced fracture
Fracture in which there
is actual deformity.
Fracture Types
Marked deformity
Swelling
Pain
Tenderness on palpation
Virtually complete loss of joint
function
Numbness or impaired circulation
Assessment Considerations
DCAP-BTLS
Transport critically injured
immediately
Compartment syndrome
Splint injury
Assess/reassess neurovascular status
Neurovascular Function
Examination of the injured limb should
include assessment of the following:
Pulse
Capillary refill
Sensation
Motor function
Elbow Injuries
Fractures and dislocations often occur
around the elbow.
Injuries to nerves and blood vessels
common.
Assess neurovascular function carefully
Realignment may be needed to improve
circulation.
Pelvic Fractures
Hip Fractures
Anterior/Posterior Dislocations
Knee Fractures
If there is adequate distal pulse and no
significant deformity, splint the limb with
the knee straight.
If there is adequate distal pulse and
significant deformity, splint the joint in
the position of deformity.
Absent pulse below the level of the injury,
contact medical control immediately.
Ankle Injuries
Most commonly
injured joint
Assess CMS!
Single attempt to
realign by applying
gentle longitudinal
traction to the heel.
Foot Injuries
Falls or jumps.
Immobilize ankle
joint and foot.
Leave toes exposed to
assess neurovascular
function.
Possibility of spinal
injury from a fall?
BLS Care
ABCs/Oxygen
Control major bleeding
C-spine stabilization
Position of comfort
Nothing by mouth
Maintain body temperature
BLS Care
Immobilize/splint injury
Cold/ice packs for closed injury only
Elevate the fracture?
Transport
Monitor VS
Medics?
ALS Indicators
Decrease/altered LOC
Shock signs/symptoms
Uncontrolled bleeding
Pelvic, bilateral femur fracture or
multi-system injury/fractures
ALS Indicators
Femur fractures with excessive
swelling
Open fractures except for hands and
feet.
High suspicion based upon MOI
Paramedic pain control?
SPLINTING
Splinting
Flexible or rigid device used to protect
extremity
Injuries should be splinted prior to moving
patient, unless the patient is critical.
Splinting helps prevent further injury.
Improvise splinting materials when needed.
Traction Splints
Do not use a traction splint under the following
conditions: