1. Mechanisms and Characteristics of Sports Trauma
Care & Prevention
Ms. Herrera

2. Mechanical Injury
Trauma: “A physical injury or wound sustained and produced by an external or internal force.”
Tissue/Structure properties
Strength and load correlation

3. Tissue Stresses There are 5 tissue stresses that can lead to injury…
Tension
Stretching
Compression
Shearing
Bending

4. Trauma Soft tissue trauma includes Bony trauma includes Bone
Inert tissue
skin,
Joint capsules
Ligaments
Fascia
Cartilage
Nerve
Bony trauma includes
Bone
Articular cartilage

5. Skin Skin is the largest organ in the body Has two main layers
Epidermis and dermis
Exposed and easily traumatized

6. Skin Injuries Wound classes: Friction blister Abrasion Incision
Laceration
Skin Avulsion
Puncture wound
Contusion (superficial)

7. Muscle Injuries Acute injuries Contusions Strains Tendon strains
Muscle spasms
Overexertional complications
Muscle cramps
Muscle guarding

8. Muscle Injuries cont’d
Contusion:
Bruise to the muscle
Palpation demonstrates hardened area
Ecchymosis
Strains
Stretch or tear in the muscle fibers
Diagnosed based on a grading scale

9. Muscle Strains Grading Scale: Grade 1: Some fibers are stretched/torn
TTP
ROM WNL
Grade 2: Several muscle fibers are torn.
AROM is painful
Depression felt upon palpation
Ecchymosis
Swelling
Grade 3: Complete muscle rupture
Pain intense initially, but then subsides
Loss of function/ROM

10. Tendon Strains Tendons can produce…
8,700-18,000 pounds of force per square inch
Tendon is twice as strong as the muscle it attaches.
MOI: excessive tension in the musculotendinous unit

11. Muscle Injuries Muscle spasms DOMS
Clonic vs. tonic
DOMS
Delayed onset muscle soreness
Muscle cramps due to excessive heat or lack of electrolytes
Muscle guarding

12. Chronic Muscle Injuries
Myositis ossificans: calcification that occurs in the muscle.
Fasciitis: Thin covering of the muscle becomes inflammed.
Tendinitis: Tendon becomes inflammed.
Muscle atrophy

13. Anatomy
Joint capsule: Thick, fibrous tissue that holds a joint together.
Ligaments
Strongest at the middle
Weakest at the ends
Can tear & result in avulsion fx
Provide joint protection during fast movements.
Static stabilizers
Muscles are dynamic stabilizers
Synovial fluid: Joint lubricant (think WD-40)
Synovial Joints: 6 different types

15. Anatomy Cont’d Cartilage (3 types) No direct blood or nerve supply
Hyaline (i.e. trachea, bronchi)
Fibrocartilage (i.e. meniscus, vertebral disks)
Elastic (i.e. outer ear)
No direct blood or nerve supply
Bursa: fluid filled sacs that lubricate/protect the joint
Bursitis?

16. Joint Sprains Trauma occurs when joint is pushed beyond its limits
Ligaments and joint capsule become injured.
Slow healing time
Repeated traumas results in?

17. Dislocations Most common in fingers Recognizing a dislocation
2nd most common: Shoulders
Recognizing a dislocation
Loss of function
Obvious, gross deformity
Swelling and ttp

18. Bone Can be stressed/loaded to failure by… Tension Compression Bending
Torsion
shearing

19. Fracture Types

20. Fracture Types Cont’d Blowout Fx: orbital fossa Avulsion fx Stress fx
Causes:
RTP too soon after injury
Improper training
Starting training too quickly
Changing running habits/environment

23. References
Prentice William: Arnheim’s Principles of Athletic Training, 12th ed, New York,NY,2006, McGraw-Hill,