Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

8 Muscle, Bone and Joint Injuries

Sometimes only minimal force is needed to break a bone. People with certain existing medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, can have weakened bones. Suspect a fracture if swelling and/or deformity is present with pain and a history of injury. Dislocations Sometimes a dislocated joint will return to its normal position before you see it, and only the patient history and SAMPLE questions will guide you. Other times the damage to the surrounding ligaments is so severe that the bone ends remain displaced. A dislocation that does not relocate by itself is a serious problem. The ends of the bone can be locked out of position, making any joint movement very painful and difficult. Fingers, shoulders, elbows, and knees are commonly dislocated joints. The signs and symptoms of a dislocated joint are similar to a fracture.

Fractured radius (forearm)

A fracture can occur anywhere on the surface of a bone and may or may not break the skin.

A dislocation is a disruption in the joint where the bone ends are no longer in contact.

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