Portions of the skeleton that include the upper extr.: clavicles, scapulae, arms, wrists, & hands. And lower extr.: pelvis, thighs, legs, ankles, & feet.
bones
hard but flexible living structures that provide support for the body & protection for vital organs
joints
places where bones meet.
muscles
tissues or fibers that cause movement of body parts & organs.
cartilage
tough tissue that covers the joint ends of bones & helps to form certain body parts such as the ear.
tendons
tissues that connect muscle to bone.
ligaments
connective tissues that connect bone to bone.
traction splint
splint that applies constant pull along the length of a lower extremity to help stabilize the fractured bone & to reduce muscle spasm in the limb. Traction splints are used primarly on femoral shaft fractures.
fracture
any break in a bone.
dislocation
disruption or coming parts of a joint.
sprain
stretching & tearing of ligaments.
strain
muscle injury resulting from overstretching or overexertion of the muscle.
closed extremity injury
injury with no opening in the skin.
open extremity injury
injury in which the skin has been broken or torn through.
crepitus
grating sensation or sound made when fractured bone ends rub together.
manual traction
process of applying tension to straighten & realign a fractured limb before splinting. Also called tension.