Osteomyelitis An acute or chronic infection of the bone and bone marrow

Rheumatoid Arthritis A chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease

Strains and Sprains Strains and sprains are common injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus A disease of the connective tissue

Diagnostic and Treatment-Related Procedures of the Muscular and Skeletal Systems In diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions, healthcare providers will consider deformities, asymmetry, and restricted motion.

Arthroscopy An endoscopic procedure that allows for the direct visual inspection of a joint.

Cast Used to immobilize a joint or limb as a bone heals from a fracture or surgery.

X-Ray Frequently used in the evaluation of skeletal diseases and injuries.

Computed Tomography Scan Specialized X-rays in which the X-ray camera moves around the patient, taking pictures.

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry The gold standard for evaluating bone density

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Uses strong magnets to align protons in a field or body

Rehabilitation Medicine A discipline within medicine that uses physical and mechanical agents to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease and bodily injury

Body Mechanics The study or use of proper body form and movement to prevent injury and improve performance

Assistive Devices Help with ambulation

Therapeutic Approaches Treats injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system as part of rehabilitation

Skills for the Medical Assistant As a medical assistant, you will have the opportunity to participate in many procedures relating to musculoskeletal injuries.

Transferring a Patient to and from an Exam Table You may be required to assist the patient to stand and walk when moving to and from an exam table.

Assisting a Patient to Stand and Walk If a patient is unable to stand and walk on his or her own, you may be required to assist him or her to stand and walk.

Applying an Elastic Bandage A bandage reduces blood flow to an injury and reduces swelling.

Applying a Splint A splint is a device used to stabilize an injured part of the body.

Applying an Arm Sling Provides support for an injured arm or shoulder

Assisting with Cast Application A cast is used to immobilize a joint after injury or surgery.

Assisting with Cast Removal Casts can remain in place for weeks or months.

Teaching a Patient to Use Axillary Crutches Crutches are used to eliminate the need to bear weight on a lower limb.

Summary The musculoskeletal system supports and protects the body, gives it shape, and allows for movement. The bones, muscles, and joints work together to coordinate motion. Bones are made of two types of tissue: cancellous (spongy) bone and compact (dense) bone. Each bone has its own supply of blood, nerves, and lymph vessels. Bones are constantly eroded and rebuilt to maintain strength. Bones are classified according to their size, structure, and function.

Summary A joint is the point at which two bones meet. There are several types of joints, and each allows for different levels of flexibility and freedom of movement, depending on their location and the function of the bones involved. Muscles determine physical function. The body contains three distinct types of muscle. Skeletal muscle is the most abundant type of muscle in the human body and it allows for voluntary movement. Skeletal muscles work in pairs, on opposite sides of a joint, to permit extension and flexion of limbs.