Soft tissue injuries Research and Review 1 Describe the differences between a sprain and a strain. 2 Explain the acute inflammatory response. 3 Outline the aims of the immediate management of soft-tissue injuries. 4 Identify the problems that can sometimes occur at the ‘ice’ and ‘compression’ stages of the RICER procedure. 5 Explain what actions should be avoided after sustaining a soft-tissue injury. 6 Identify the common management steps that should be followed with skin injuries. 7 Clarify when a skin injury requires professional medical attention.

Fracture types

Types of fractures - table SS

Simple (closed):- Bone breaks but remains under the skin Compound (open) :- Bone breaks and protrudes through the skin Other types : Greenstick, oblique, comminuted, depressed, transverse, spiral, longitudinal, serrated Types of fractures

Signs and symptoms of fractures The signs and symptoms of a fracture include: pain at the site of the injury inability to move the injured part unnatural movement of the injured part deformity of the injured part swelling and discolouration grating of bones.

Management of Fractures Use of DRSABCD Controlling bleeding Treating shock Use of a splint and bandage to immobilise the area – to restrict movement in the injured area Immediate medical assistance

Dislocations The bone is displaced, it comes out of the joint and remains out until physically reinserted Needs to be put back in by a qualified practitioner as more damage can occur if the placement is incorrect Subluxation dislocations momentarily ‘pop out’ then return quickly to place. The joint will be vulnerable, require rehabilitation and possibly surgery Subluxation dislocation

Signs and symptoms of dislocations Signs and symptoms of dislocation include: loss of movement at the joint obvious deformity swelling and tenderness pain at the injured site.

Management of Dislocations Management requires: Securing with a splint to fully immobilise the injury Ice, elevation and support using a bandage Immediate medical attention Never attempt to relocate the displaced bone as this might increase the damage

Assessment of injuries TOTAPS Talk – find out what exactly happened. Observe – look for signs of deformity or swelling. Compare both sides of the body. Touch – Gently feel the injury for signs of swelling or deformity and pinpoint pain. Active movement - ask player to perform a range of movements e.g. flexion, extension, rotation. Passive movement – assessor physically mobilises the joint to identify area of pain and joint instability. Skills test – player is asked to perform a skill that is required during the game e.g. a sidestep. If they can do it, they can return to play.

Assessment can be stopped at any stage if damage is apparent; for example, if the player feels pain. Should there be a risk of further damage through continued play, the player should be removed from the game