Bone, Joint, and

Muscle Injuries

By: Jaypee B. Guinto

FRACTURE BONES

Two types of fractures

Closed (simple) – the skin has no wound anywhere

near the fracture site.

Open (compound) – the overlaying skin has a wound.

The wound can be produced either by the bone

protruding through the skin or by a direct blow

cutting the skin at the time of the fracture.

Closed Fracture

Open Fracture

Indicator of a broken bone

Swelling

Deformity

Pain and Tenderness

Loss of use

History of the injury

What to do?

1. Remove or cut away clothing over injury site.

2. If bleeding from open fracture: Control bleeding. Do

not push bone. Cover wound and bone with

dressing.

3. Check circulation, sensation, and movement. (CSM)

4. Stabilize injured part by:

a. Straighten a bent or deformed part by using traction most

broken bones are minor and do not need straightening.

b. Use another person to hold and apply traction.

c. Apply splint.

d. Recheck CSM periodically.

5. Seek medical attention.

Types of Splints

1. Improvised Splint – folded newspapers, magazine,

cardboard, wood board, pillow, etc.

Types of Splints

2. Commercial Splint – SAM splint, air splint.

Types of Splints

3. Self Splint – the injured part is tied to an uninjured

body part.

JOINT DISLOCATION

A dislocation occurs when a joint comes apart

and stays apart with the bone ends no longer in contact.

Dislocation have similar signs and symptoms of a

fracture.

What to do?

1. Check the CSM (circulation, sensation, movement).

2. Stabilize using a splint as if a fracture.

3. Do not replace the joint since nerves and blood

vessels could be damaged.

4. Seek medical attention for reduction of a

dislocation.

ANKLE INJURIES

The ankle can be easily injured, and it should not

be handled casually. Careless treatment can have

consequence that include a lifelong disability. Most

ankle injuries are sprains.

What to look for?

1. Press along the bones. Pain over the bones at either

the:

a. Back edge or tip of either of the ankle bones.

b. Midfoot’s outside bone or on the inside may indicate a

broken bone.

2. Ask the victim to stand. If the victim can walk at least four

steps, most likely the ankle is sprained. But if it is broken the

victim will walk not more than four steps.

What to do?

If the victim can bear weight and can make 4 steps

immediately after the injury.

1. Use RICE procedures.

2. Do not use heat until 48-72 hours after injury.

3. If swelling and pain do not decrease within 48

hours, seek medical attention.

What to do?

If the victim can’t bear weight and can make 4 steps

immediately after the injury.

1. Use RICE procedures.

2. Stabilize ankle/foot with splint.

3. Seek medical attention.

MUSCLE INJURIES

Although muscle injuries pose no real emergency,

first aiders have a lot of opportunities to take care of

them.

Muscles Strains

A muscle strain, also known as a muscle pull,

occurs when the muscle is stretched beyond its normal

range of motion. Resulting to a muscle tearing.

What to look for?A sharp pain.

Extreme tenderness when the area is felt.

Severe weakness and loss of function of the injured

part.

A “snap” sound heard.

Stiffness and pain while moving muscle.

What to do?

Use the RICE procedures

Muscle Contusions

Muscle contusions result from a blow to a

muscle. This injury is also known as a bruise.

What to look for? Swelling

Pain and tenderness

Visible bruise may appear hours later

What to do?Use the RICE procedures

Muscle Cramps

Muscles can go into an uncontrolled spasm and

contraction, resulting in severe pain and a restriction or

loss of movement.

What to do?

1. Have the victim gently stretch the affected muscle.

2. Relax the muscle by applying steady pressure to it.

3. Pinch the upper lip hard (an accupressure technique)

to reduce cramping of the calf muscle.

4. Give mildly salted water or a commercial electrolyte

drink.

Note:

Do not massage or rub the affected muscle. This causes

more pain and does not relieve the cramping.

SPINAL (BACKBONE) INJURIES

The spinal is a column of vertebrae stacked one

on the next from the skull’s base to the tail of the bone.

The spinal cord consists of long tracts of nerves that

join the brain with all body organs and parts.

A mistake in handling a victim of spinal injury

could mean a lifetime in a wheelchair or bed for the

victim.

What to look for?

Ask a conscious victim these questions:

Is there pain? Often the victims describes the pain as

“electric.”

Can you move your feet? Ask the victim to move

his/her feet against your hand. If the victim cannot

perform this movement or if the movement is

extremely weak against your hand, the victim may

have injured the spinal cord.

Can you move your fingers? Ask the victim to grip

your hand. A strong grip indicates a spinal cord injury

is unlikely.

What to look for?

For an unconscious victim:

Look for cuts, bruises, and deformities.

Test responses by pinching the victim’s hands and

foot. No reaction could mean spinal cord injury.

Ask bystanders what happened. If not sure about

possible spinal cord injury, assume the victim has one

until proven otherwise.

What to do?

1. Check ABCHs and treat accordingly.

2. Gently drag the victim keeping body straight.

3. Stabilize the victim’s body.

4. Wait for trained rescuers and special equipment.

5. Seek medical attention.