Joint Injuries: Sprains, Dislocations, Fractures & Bites
Joint Injuries: Sprains, Dislocations, and Fractures
Sprain: An incomplete tear of the joint capsule or ligaments, without rupture. It occurs when a torsional twist or violent stretch forces a joint beyond its normal range of motion, causing ligament damage or tearing.
Sprain Grades:
- Grade I (Mild): The ligament is strained, stretched beyond its normal capacity but remains intact. There is no hematoma.
- Grade II (Moderate): A partial tear of the ligament occurs, resulting in bruising and swelling.
- Grade III (Severe): The ligament is completely torn, causing hematoma and inflammation.
Symptoms of a Sprain:
- Pain and rapid swelling in the affected area.
- Possible bruising.
- Difficulty moving the joint.
First Aid for Sprains:
- Elevate the injured area above the heart level.
- Rest the injured limb, avoiding movements that cause pain.
- Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling, pain, and muscle spasms.
- Immobilize the area with an elastic bandage or sling.
- Seek medical attention to assess the severity of the injury.
Dislocation
A dislocation is a joint injury characterized by the loss of normal relationships between the articular surfaces. It results from strong local trauma or pathological processes, causing a tear in the joint capsule. The most common dislocations occur in the shoulder, elbow, jaw, fingers, and knee.
Symptoms of a Dislocation:
- Deformity of the joint, appearing abnormal.
- Possible lengthening or shortening of the limb.
- Reduced mobility.
- Severe pain, swelling, and purplish discoloration.
- Possible hematomas and inflammation.
Specific Joint Dislocations:
Elbow Joint:
- Cause: A twist of the arm, a fall on an extended arm, or a direct blow to the elbow.
- Symptoms: Bulky elbow, increased anteroposterior diameter, and a seemingly shorter forearm.
Knee Joint:
- Cause: Forced twisting of the knee, sudden stops while running, changing weight while running or skiing, awkward landings after jumping, or a blow to the outer or inner side of the knee.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain at the time of injury, a puncture or tearing sensation inside the knee, and immediate swelling and bruising.
Ankle Joint:
- Cause: Falls, sudden twisting of the ankle on an uneven surface, stepping in a hole, or awkward steps while running or jumping.
- Symptoms: Pain in the ankle at the time of injury, a needlestick or tearing sensation on the outside of the ankle, loss of function with joint instability, and ankle swelling and bruising.
Fractures
A fracture is the loss of continuity of a bone following trauma or a weakening process.
Types of Fractures:
- Closed Fracture (Simple): The bone is broken, but the skin remains intact.
- Open Fracture (Complicated): The bone breaks through the skin and is visible, or a deep wound exposes the bone.
- Comminuted Fracture: The bone is broken into multiple fragments.
Foreign Bodies, Poison, and Bites
Foreign bodies are any foreign element that enters the body through the skin or any natural orifice, preventing normal functioning.
Poisoning occurs when a victim experiences adverse effects from the ingestion, inhalation, or transcutaneous absorption of toxic substances.
Bites are small puncture wounds caused mainly by insects, arthropods, and marine animals, through which toxic substances are injected. These substances can act locally or systemically, depending on the agent, quantity of toxin, and the body’s response.
Common Bites and Stings:
- Bee, Ant, and Wasp Stings: These are common and can occasionally cause death due to acute allergic reactions to the venom.
- Scorpion Stings: Most injuries occur accidentally when stepping on or coming into contact with scorpions.
- Tick Bites: Ticks attach tightly to the skin or scalp and can transmit microorganisms that cause various diseases. The longer they are attached, the higher the risk of contagion.
- Animal and Human Bites: These wounds are characterized by tearing, avulsion, or stinging, often with bleeding and sometimes shock.