Understanding Strains, Sprains, and Dislocations

Study Notes

Strain vs. Sprain

Strain: Injury involving stretching or tearing of a muscle-tendon structure.
Sprain: Injury involving stretching or tearing of a ligament connecting bones.

Types of Ankle Sprains

Inversion: Foot rolls outward, ankle inward.
Eversion: Foot rolls inward, affecting higher ankle.
High Ankle Sprain: Resulting from twisting the ankle.

Grading of Sprains and Strains

Grade 1 (Mild): Some stretching or minor tearing of ligament/muscle.
Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tear of ligament/muscle, still intact.
Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear leading to joint instability.

Dislocations

Definition: Separation of two bones at a joint; joint misalignment.
Early treatment often prevents permanent injury; healing time for surrounding tissues is 3-6 weeks.
Possible need for surgery to repair torn ligaments; risks of nerve and blood vessel injury.

Symptoms of Dislocation

Numbness or tingling in the area.
Intense pain, especially under weight/load.
Limited movement; swelling or bruising.
Altered appearance: visibly out of place, discolored or misshapen.

First Aid Protocols ("DO NOT" List)

Do not move the injured person unless necessary and immobilized.
Avoid moving individuals with hip, pelvis, or upper leg injuries.
Do not attempt to correct the position of a dislocated joint.
Do not test for function in a dislocated bone.
Avoid giving anything by mouth to the injured person.

Types of Fractures

Open Fracture: Bone is exposed, increasing infection risk; also known as compound fracture.
Closed Fracture: Bone breaks but skin remains intact; also referred to as simple fracture.
Complete Fracture: Fractured bone ends completely separate.
Multi-fragmentary Fracture: Bone shatters into multiple pieces.
Compression Fracture: Closed fracture where bones are forced together, commonly affects spine.
Avulsion Fracture: Closed fracture where a bone piece is broken off by muscle contraction, common in athletes.
Impacted Fracture: Closed fracture where bone ends jam together under pressure, often due to accidents.
Stress Fracture: Overuse injury, common in athletes engaged in high-impact activities.
Linear Fracture: Fracture runs parallel to the bone's long axis.
Complete Fracture: Fracture at a right angle to the bone's long axis.
Oblique Fracture: Diagonal fracture relative to the bone's long axis.
Spiral Fracture: Fracture with a twisting pattern, often resulting from significant force.

Description

This quiz explores the differences between strains and sprains, including their types and grading system. Additionally, it covers the definition and symptoms of joint dislocations, as well as the importance of early treatment. Test your knowledge on these common injuries.