The document discusses the care of patients with soft tissue injuries, defining soft tissue injuries as affecting the joints and muscles, including sprains, strains, and dislocations. It covers the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, classifications of soft tissue injuries, their signs and symptoms, and outlines management techniques such as the RICE treatment method. Additionally, it highlights common sports-related injuries and the importance of prevention and protective measures.

1. Care of the patient with Soft Tissue Injury
Ghaffar Ahmed
Lecturer INC

2. Objectives
 Review the normal anatomy & physiology of Musculoskeletal
system.
 Define the soft tissue injury.
 Discuss the different types of soft tissue injuries.
 Identify etiology and clinical manifestations of soft tissue injury.
 Discuss the management of different types of soft tissue injury.
 Provide comprehensive discharge teaching to patient with soft
tissue injury.

3. Parts of the Musculoskeletal System
 Skeleton
 Muscles
 Cartilage
 Tendons
 Ligaments
 Joints, and
 Other connective tissues are all part of the musculoskeletal system,
which work together to provide the body with support, protection,
and movement.

4. Musculoskeletal disorders
• Musculoskeletal disorders commonly include:
1. Soft Tissue Injuries (strains and sprains, Dislocations)
2. Fractures (open, closed, long bone, pelvic)

6. Soft Tissue Injuries
 Soft tissue injuries are those injuries (excluding fractures)
affecting the joints and muscles of the limbs.
 Sprains, strains and dislocations are considered soft tissue injuries

7. Soft Tissue Injuries
Two classifications when considering soft
tissue injuries:
• – Closed wounds
• – Open wounds

8. Contusions
 Small blood vessels rupturing
and bleeding into soft tissues

9. Strains
 An injury or tear to a muscle or tendon is
called a strain.
 Overuse, overstretching of muscle
 Incomplete muscle tear
 Sudden pain
 Local tenderness

10. Sprain
 Sprains involve the over-extension of a joint,
usually with partial rupture of the ligaments.
There may also be blood vessel, nerve and
tendon damage.
 Injury to ligament surrounding joint that is
caused by twisting motion
 Fingers, ankles, knee

11. Sign and Symptoms
 Sudden pain in the joint
 Loss of power and ability to bear weight
 Bruising
 Swelling
 Site becomes tender, painful to palpate

12. • If you suspect someone may have a strain or sprain, remember
the acronym RICE

13. Treatment
 R – Rest
 I – Immobilization
 C – Cold (24-48 hrs)
 E – Elevate
 Elastic compression bandage
 Heat after acute inflammatory stage
 Progressive exercises 2-5 days
 Splinting
 Pain management
 NSAIDS, Narcotics

14. Subluxation and Dislocation

15. Subluxation
An incomplete or partial
dislocation of a joint
Examples
 Vertebrae

16. Dislocation
Bones completely disarticulated.
No parts of articular surfaces are in contact.

17. Dislocation
• Congenital,
or present at
birth
• Trauma
• spontaneous
or pathologic
Causes

18. Signs and Symptoms
 Visibly deformed or out of place
 Swollen or discolored
 Painful
 May have some temporary paralysis of the injured limb
 Change in length of extremity

19. SPORTS RELATED INJURIES
• Tendinitis
• Prevention
• Inflammation of tendon
• Runners, basketball players
• To help prevent a dislocation
• Take precautions to avoid falls.
• Wear protective gear when you play contact
sports.

23. Reference
• Brunner, L. S., & Suddarth, D. S. (2004). Text book of Medical-
Surgical nursing (10th e.d). Phi;ladephia: Lippincott.