Skeletal System

Diseases & Abnormal

Conditions

Arthritis

• Inflammation of the joints

• 2 Types – Osteoarthritis / Rheumatoid

Arthritis (cont.)

• Cause = aging process (OA), autoimmune disease (RA)

• S&S = joint pain, stiffness, limited ROM

• Tx = No cure – anti inflammatory meds, exercises, steroids, heat/cold

Bursitis

• Inflammation of the bursae sac (surrounds joints)

Bursitis (cont)

• Cause = Trauma to fluid filled sac / overuse of joint (hip, knee, shoulder, elbow)

Bursitis (cont)

• S&S = Severe pain, limited ROM, Fluid accumulation

• Tx = Pain meds, steroids, rest, aspirating the joint (removing fluid)

Osteomyelitis

• Inflammation of the bone (usually caused by bacterial infection)

Osteomyelitis

• S&S – pain / swelling at the site, chills, & fever

• Tx - Antibiotics

Osteoporosis

• Softening of the bones

• Caused by decrease of estrogen (in women), lack of calcium

• Bones become porous and brittle

Osteoporosis

• S&S – Spontaneous fracture

Ruptured Disk

• Also called herniated disk / slipped disk

• Most common site – lumbar area

Ruptured Disk

• S&S – pain, muscle spasm, numbness, impaired movement

• Tx – Rest, massage therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment

• Severe cases require surgery

Abnormal Curvature of the Spine

• Causes – birth defect, malnutrition, degeneration on the vertebrae

• Tx – Physical exercise, braces, surgery

Types of Curvature

• Kyphosis – bowing of the back

• Scoliosis – side to side curvature

• Lordosis – abnormal inward curvature