Chapter EightInjuries to Muscles,

Bones, and Joints

Muscles Type of soft tissue which contract

and relax to produce various movements

Three types of Muscle: Skeletal- attached to bones, produces body

movement Smooth- Lines blood vessels, digestive

tract, organs Cardiac- found in heart, produces rhythmic

contractions Tendon - a cord or band of dense,

tough, inelastic, white, fibrous tissue connects muscle to bone

BonesHard connective tissue forming the

substance of the skeleton Have a rich supply of blood and nervesProtect organs Not easily injured

BonesGrowth Plates – areas of developing

cartilage near the ends of long bones

BonesOsteoporosis – the gradual weakening of

bones that causes them to get brittle and break more easily

Joints The ends of two or

more bones coming together at one place form a joint.

Ligaments - sheet or band of tough, fibrous tissue connects bones to other

bones

Fractures A complete or partial break or a chip in a

bone cause be a fall, blunt force, or twisting.

Open (Compound) Fracture When the skin is broken by either

Bone pierces through the skin Something coming in through the skin causing the

injury (Ex: bullet) Closed (Simple) Fracture

Skin is in tact More common

Dislocations The movement of a bone at a joint away from

its normal position. The joint will no longer function. Often forms a bump, a ridge or a hollow that

does not normally exist.

Sprains Injury resulting from the

stretch or twist of the joint. Causes various degrees of

stretch or tear of a ligament A severe sprain may also

involve a fracture or dislocation.

Strains Stretching or tearing

of the muscles or tendons.

Usually occur by working a muscles too hard.

Some strains can reoccur like in the neck and back.

Signs of Serious Injury Significant deformity Bruising or swelling Inability to use the injured

part normally Bone sticking out through

the skin Person feels bone grating,

heard a snap or pop The injured area is cold or

numb Cause of injury suggests the

injury could be severe

Call 9-1-1 if - There is obvious deformity There is moderate to severe swelling and discoloration A snap or pop was heard or felt at the time of injury It is an open fracture The person cannot move or use the effected part normally The area is cold or numb The injured area is cold or numb It involves the head, neck or spine The person has trouble breathing It is not possible to safely or comfortably move the person to a

vehicle for transport to a hospital

R.I.C.E.Rest – Do not move or straighten the areaImmobilize – stabilize the area in the

position it was foundCold – fill a plastic bag or wrap ice with a

damp cloth and apply ice to the injured area for periods of 20 minutes

Elevate – Only elevate the injured area if it WILL NOT cause more pain

Splinting Injuries The purpose of immobilizing an injury is to –

Lessen pain Prevent further damage Reduce the risk of serious bleeding or loss of

circulation Prevent closed fractures from becoming open fractures

Principles of SplintingSplint only if the person must be movedSplint only if you can do it without causing

more painSplint the injury in the position you find itSplint above and below the injury

If it’s a fracture, splint the joints If it’s a sprain or joint injury, splint the bones

Check for circulation before and after splinting

Types of SplintsAnatomic Splint

Use the person’s body as a splintSoft Splint

Use soft materials to splint A sling is a specific type of soft splint

Rigid Splint Boards, folded magazines

The ground An injured leg stretched out on the ground is

splinted by the ground

Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

Can cause paralysis, speech or memory problems

Can damage bones and soft tissueThese injuries should always be taken

seriously

Head InjuriesInjuries to the head can rupture blood vessels

in the brain. Pressure builds and can cause further

damageMost common type- ConcussionSignals of head injuries:

Dizziness Confusion Unconsciousness

Spinal (Neck and Back) Injuries

The spine is a strong, flexible column of 33 vertebrae separated by disks.

The spinal cord is a column of nerve tissue that runs from the base of the skull down the spinal column.

Injuries to the neck or back can fracture vertebrae, tear ligaments, and cut or squeeze the spinal cord causing paralysis.

When to suspect a head, neck, or back

injury - Car accident Fall greater than a standing height Violence Sports – helmet is broken Complains of neck, back, head pain Has a tingling or weakness in the extremities Is not fully alert Appears intoxicated Appears to be frail or over 65 old Person is under 3 years old

Care for Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

Call 9-1-1 Minimize the person’s movement Hold the person in the position you find them

Place hands on both sides of person’s head Hold head in the position you found it until EMS

arrives Do not remove a helmet if one is present

ConcussionA brain injury that involves a temporary loss

of brain function resulting from a blow to the head.

Effects may appear immediately or very soon after the blow to the head.

Signs and Symptoms include – Sleepiness Mood and cognitive disturbances Sensitivity to light and noise

Chest Injuries A person with a broken rib

will take small shallow breaths and experience discomfort by the injured area

Have the person rest in a position that makes breathing easier

Bind the upper arm to the person’s chest on the injured side

Pelvic InjuriesThe pelvis surrounds important organs

inside the body as well as the lower spineCall 9-1-1Do not move the victim, keep them lying

flat, monitor life signs and care for shock