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Understand the disorders of the musculoskeletal system

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, March 9, 2005

The musculoskeletal system is composed of the muscles and bones that make up the skeleton. This lesson will help you understand some of the common disorders of the musculoskeletal system your residents may suffer from.

• Fractures are the most common bone injury. A closed fracture involves no break in the skin, while an open fracture includes a break in the skin. Fractures may or may not go completely through the bone and can involve crushing and splintering of the bone.

• Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the world. It causes the bones to gradually lose their minerals and in turn leads the hollows in the spongy part of the bone to become larger. As these holes get larger and more porous, the risk of fracture increases.

• Osteoarthritis is the result of the cartilage wearing down at the ends of bones where they form a joint. Often the bones rub against each other and become rough, resulting in painful joint movement. Hips and knees are some of the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis because they endure the most wear over the years.

• Sprains occur when ligaments are partially ruptured from severe wrenching or twisting of a joint. Tendons, blood vessels, and nerves may also be damaged with a sprain. Severe sprains cause swelling and bruising. The pain from a sprain is usually so great that the joint cannot be moved.

• Strains are the result of overstretching a muscle, and usually do not cause swelling or bruising. It is important to rest a strained muscle in order not to injure it further.

• Tendonitis is a very common musculoskeletal disorder. It is the inflammation of the tendons and the tendon-muscle attachment. Although tendonitis can and does occur in many parts of the body, the most common area is the shoulder.

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