Understanding Strains, Sprains, and Dislocations

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.