HARD TISSUE INJURIES
FRACTURES
Fractures are a very common hard tissue injury. A fracture is a broken bone that comes in 3 classifications.
A closed fracture remains inside the body and does not pierce the skin. These are the most common broken bones that occur.
An open fracture is a break that pierces the skin so the bone can be seen. These are also known as compound fractures because there is more than one issue that needs to be addressed.
Complicated fractures occur when the bone causes further damage to major nerves, organs or blood vessels. These are complicated because they can be life – threatening and require immediate medical attention.
EXAMPLE
A soccer player runs toward the ball in preparation to pass it to another player. An athlete from the opposing team accidentally kicks the other player in the shin in an attempt to steal the ball. This direct impact results in a fractured tibia.
How to prevent soccer injuries 2020, Photograph, Ortho Bethedsa, viewed 26 November 2020, <https://www.orthobethesda.com/blog/how-to-prevent-soccer-injuries/>.
Tibia fracture 2018, Photograph, MedicalNewsToday, viewed 26 November 2020, <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321642#what-is-a-tibia-fracture>.
Fractures - HSC PDHPE 2020, Photograph, Pdhpe.net, viewed 26 November 2020, <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321642#what-is-a-tibia-fracture>.
DISLOCATIONS
A dislocation occurs when two bones at a joint are displaced as a result of an irregular movement which pulls them apart. A subluxation injury might also occur in which the bones are momentarily separated but return back to their normal position. This is still treated as a dislocation. Although soft – tissue damage is inflicted upon the joint area, it is still treated as a hard – tissue injury as the bones have still been displaced.
EXAMPLE
A weightlifter experiences an elbow dislocation due to the irregular downward force of a heavy weight bar.
Armenian weightlifter dislocates elbow during Olympic final 2016, Photograph, Independent.co.au, viewed 26 November 2020, <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321642#what-is-a-tibia-fracture>.
Elbow dislocation 2020, Photograph, Orthobullets, viewed 26 November 2020, <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321642#what-is-a-tibia-fracture>.
FOOTNOTES
Hard tissue injuries, 2020, Edrolo, viewed 1 November 2020, <https://edrolo.com.au/class/913036/lesson/24267/1/>.