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Authors: Unknown

Musculoskeletal System

Michele P. West and James J. Gaydos

Introduction

An understanding of musculoskeletal pathology and medical-surgical

intervention is often the basis of physical therapy evaluation and treatment planning for patients with acute orthopedic impairments. The primary goal of the physical therapist working with a patient in the acute care setting is ro initiate rehabilitative techniques that foster early restoration of maximum functional mobility and reduce the risk of secondary complications. The objectives for this chapter are to provide the following:

A brief descriprion of rhe srructure and function of the musculoskeletal system

An overview of musculoskeletal evaluation, including physi-

cal examination and diagnostic tests

A description of fracrures, including etiology, medical-surgical

management, clinical findings, and physical therapy intervention

A description of joint arthroplasty and common surgeries of

the spine, including surgical management and physical therapy intervention

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AClITE CARE HANDBOOK FOR I'HYSICAL THERAPISTS

An overview of common sofr tissue injuries, including surgical

management and physical therapy intervention

A brief overview of equipment commonly used in the acute care

setting, including casts, braces, external fixators, and traction devices

Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system is made up of the bony skeleton and contractile and noncontractile sofr tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, articular cartilage, and nonarticular cartilage. This matrix

of soft tissue and bone provides the dynamic ability of movement, giving

individuals the agility to move through space, absorb shock, convert

reactive forces, generate kinetic energy, and perform fine moror tasks.

The musculoskeletal system also provides housing and protection for

vital organs and the central nervous system. As a result of its location and

function, the musculoskeletal system commonly sustains traumatic injuries and degenerative changes. The impairments that develop from injury or disease can significantly affect an individual's ability to remain functional without further pathologic compromise.

Musculoskeletal Examination

The initial evaluation of a patient with orthopedic dysfunction is

invaluable to clinical management in the acute care setting. Physical

therapy intervention for the patient with orthopedic impairments typically occurs postoperatively or after an injury is managed by the medical-surgical team.

Patie1lt History

In addition to a standard medical review (see Appendix I-A), information pertaining to the patient'S musculoskeletal history should include the following:

•

Cause and mechanism of injury at present

•

Previous musculoskeletal, rheumatologic, or neurologic disease,

injury, or surgery

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

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• Functional level before admission

• Previous use of assistive device(s)

• Recreation or exercise level and frequency

•

Need for adaptive equipment or foorwear on a regular basis

(e.g., a shoe lift)

• History of falls

• History of chronic pain

An understanding of the current medical-surgical management of

musculoskeletal disease or injury should include

•

Physician-dictated precautions or conrraindications to treatment, slich as weight-bearing Status or activity level, or for the positioning of extremities

• The need for a splint, brace, or other equipmenr at rest or

with activity

• Most recent lab values (e.g., hematocrit)

•

Type and last dose of pain medication

•

Whether the patient has been out of bed since admission to

the hospital

Paill

Musculoskeletal pain quality and location should be determined

subjectively and objectively. Use a pain scale appropriate for the

patient's age, mental status, and vision. Note if pain is constant or