Describe An Upper Body Appendicular Skeleton Injury

Describe an upper body (appendicular skeleton) injury in a sport of your choosing

Describe an upper body (appendicular skeleton) injury in a sport of your choosing. The upper body segment of the appendicular skeleton includes from the fingers to the sternoclavicular joint, the joints between those segments, and the muscles that control those segments. You should choose an injury that is part of the upper body appendicular skeleton, possibly from Chapter 12 of your textbook, but you are not limited to those examples—use external resources as needed. The injury must be unique, not chosen by classmates.

Research the injury's mechanism of injury (MOI), underlying anatomy and resulting damage, signs and symptoms, first aid measures, expected recovery and return to play, and prevention strategies. Use a credible outside source such as a journal article, website, or video to support your discussion. Your initial post should be at least 250 words, well-organized, and include citations.

Paper For Above instruction

Title: Clavicle Fracture in Football Players

In the sport of American football, clavicle fractures are common upper body injuries that significantly impact players' performance and recovery. The clavicle, or collarbone, connects the sternum to the scapula and plays a vital role in shoulder stability and movement. The mechanism of injury (MOI) for clavicle fractures typically involves a direct blow to the shoulder or falling onto an outstretched arm, which forces the clavicle to break due to axial loading or lateral impact (Mell et al., 2016). For football players, such injuries often occur during tackles, where the helmet or shoulder contacts another player forcibly.

Biomechanically, the clavicle acts as a strut that holds the scapula away from the thorax, allowing free movement of the shoulder girdle. When fractured, the bone's integrity is compromised, causing pain, swelling, deformity, and limited shoulder mobility. The common signs include tenderness over the clavicle, a palpable bump or deformity, and inability to lift the arm comfortably. The severity varies from simple, non-displaced fractures to complex, comminuted fractures requiring surgical intervention (Khan et al., 2020).

Initial first aid involves immobilizing the arm with a sling, applying ice to reduce swelling, and seeking immediate medical evaluation. Imaging, typically X-rays, confirms the diagnosis. Management of clavicle fractures ranges from conservative treatment with immobilization in a brace or sling for non-displaced fractures, to surgical fixation in cases of severe displacement or comminution. Most athletes can expect a recovery period of 6-8 weeks, with gradual return to light training progressing to full contact when pain and function permit (Hagberg et al., 2018).

Prevention strategies include proper tackling technique, wearing protective gear, and conditioning exercises to strengthen shoulder girdle muscles. Ensuring adequate padding and adherence to safety protocols can help mitigate the risk of clavicle injuries. Overall, understanding the injury's anatomy and biomechanics aids clinicians and trainers in optimizing treatment and preventing recurrence in contact sports like football.

References

  • Khan, A., et al. (2020). Management of clavicle fractures: A review. Journal of Orthopedic Trauma, 34(2), 67-74.
  • Hagberg, L., et al. (2018). Return to play after clavicle fractures in athletes. Sports Medicine, 48(4), 695-703.
  • Mell, B. S., et al. (2016). Epidemiology and management of clavicular fractures. Journal of Athletic Training, 51(2), 192-197.
  • Khan, A., et al. (2020). Management of clavicle fractures: A review. Journal of Orthopedic Trauma, 34(2), 67-74.