LESSON 1
DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Section 1. THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
1-1.
INTRODUCTION
The musculoskeletal system is a complex system of bones, muscles, ligaments,
tendons, and other connective tissue. It is this system that gives the body form and
shape. This system is subject to a variety of diseases some of which are not well
understood. As a medical noncommissioned officer (NCO), you will often need to
distinguish the characteristics of musculoskeletal diseases.
1-2. CAUSES OF DEVIATIONS FROM NORMAL MUSCULOSKELETAL
FUNCTIONING
Disease, defects, and trauma are the major causes of musculoskeletal system
malfunction. Diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis (imbalance between bone
formation and reabsorption), and tumors interfere with proper musculoskeletal
functioning. Other defects such as cysts and congenital problems can cause
malfunctioning. Trauma to the body such as fractures, sprains, dislocations,
subluxations, and strains also cause musculoskeletal system dysfunction.
Section II. JOINT PAIN
1-3.
TYPES AND EXAMPLES
The skeletal system is made up of many separate bones held together at joints
by flexible connective tissue. The movements that allow us to change position by
moving the bony parts of our bodies occur at the joints (also called articulations). Joints
are classified by function also taking into account the degree of movement the joint
permits. Classified by function there are these types of joints: synarthroses (immovable
joints), amphiarthroses (slightly movable joints), and diarthroses (freely movable joints).
Additionally, joints are classified by connections: fibrous joints (no joint cavity and bones
held together by connective tissue), cartilaqinous joints (no joint cavity and bones held
together by cartilage), and synovial ioints (joint cavity and bones forming joint are united
by accessory ligaments). Joints are subject to pain that can be classified as
monarticular pain and polyarticular pain.
1-4.
MONARTICULAR PAIN
Monarticular pain is pain that occurs in one joint. Causes of monarticular pain
include:
MD0577
1-2