The Child with a Musculoskeletal Condition Chapter 24 The Child with a Musculoskeletal Condition

Musculoskeletal System Supports the body Provides for movement Develops gradually and in an orderly manner in children A marked slowing down of growth is always a signal for investigation

Newborn notes Limited ROM of hips Legs maintain a flexed position Newborn spine a “C” shape Feet usually turn inward or outward Feet appear flat r/t fat pad @ arch

Observation of Gait Children who don’t walk independently by 18 mo are delayed Beginning walker unstable, but improves by 18 mo. Toe walking after 3 yrs. can indicate a muscle problem Young children appear bowlegged or knock-kneed until age 5 Usually toeing (pointing of the toe inward) in will clear by age 4

Tests & treatments X-rays (radiographs) are taken to confirm suspected pathologic condition Bone scans can see things not apparent on x-ray CT shows cross-section MRI has no radiation; produces detailed pictures Ultrasound to r/o other causes

Pediatric Skeletal System Epiphyses are present to allow for growth Bone healing is rapid in children due to the thickened periosteum; a callus is formed quickly. Also a generous blood supply. Approximate healing time: Neonate: 2-3 weeks Preschool: 4 weeks School-age: 6 weeks Adolescence: 8-10 weeks

Trauma/Soft Tissue Injuries Contusion tissue tearing resulting in hemorrhage, edema, pain Hematoma escape of blood into soft tissue Sprain when ligament is torn away from bone. Swelling, disability, pain. Strain microscopic tear to muscle or tendon occurring over time

Prevent trauma! Parents are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their children Nurses are responsible for educating parents & teachers on how! Car seats, pedestrian safety, bicycle helmets, pool fences, window bars, locks.

Soft tissue injuries Treat immediately to limit damage Cold pack & elastic wrap to reduce edema, bleeding & pain On & off every 30 minutes Elevate limb above heart Frequent neuro checks RICE them! Rest Ice Compression Elevation

Fractures A fracture is a break in a bone s/s: pain, tenderness with movement, swelling; discoloration, limited ROM, numbness Simple: Bone is broken, but skin over it isn’t Compound: Wound in the skin over bone; increased risk of infection Spiral: Caused by a forceful twisting motion Greenstick: One side of bone broken, one side bent More common in children

Types of fractures

Fractures Diagnosis & treatment: X-ray most reliable source Traction bilateral views taken for children to compare sides Traction used when the cast can’t maintain alignment of the bone fragments Traction aligns the injured bone by the use of weights & counteraction. Immobilization until the bones fuse

Types of traction Bryant traction Used for treating fractures of the femur in children 2 years of age or under 20 to 30 pounds N.I.: be sure traction ropes are intact and in the wheel grooves of the pulleys Legs should be @ right angles to the body buttocks lifted off the bed continuous traction is necessary the weights must hang free

Types of traction Russell Traction Russell traction: a sling is positioned under the knee to suspend the distal thigh above the bed. Skeletal traction: with a pin inserted into the bone and traction applied to the pin Skeletal Traction

Types of Traction Buck’s Traction Used in fractures of femur, hip, knee Pulls hip/leg into extension Used preoperatively Reduces pain and muscle spasms Keep patient feet off of the foot of the bed Primary nursing responsibility is to inspect skin regularly Risk for impaired skin integrity r/t immobility

Checking circulation The nurse performs a neurovascular check to see if toes are warm and that their color is good. A serious complication of traction is Volkmann’s ischemia, which occurs when the circulation is obstructed.

Effects of traction

Neurovascular Assessment Pain Record location & quality of pain Compartment syndrome is a serious complication to consider if pain does not respond to medication; is a progressive loss of tissue perfusion. Pulse Compare quality to unaffected side Movement/Sensation Numbness or tingling should be reported Color cyanosis of site distal to fracture can indicate venous stasis Capillary refill less than 3 seconds Warmth

Safety Alert The checklist for a traction apparatus includes Weights are hanging freely Weights are out of reach of the child Ropes are on the pulleys Knots are not resting against pulleys Bed linens are not on traction ropes Countertraction is in place Apparatus does not touch foot of bed

Safety Alert Checklist for the patient in traction Body in alignment HOB no higher than 20 degrees Heels of feet elevated from bed ROM of unaffected parts at regular intervals Antiembolism stockings or foot pumps as ordered Neurovascular checks performed regularly and recorded Skin integrity monitored regularly and recorded Pain relieved by medication is recorded Measures to prevent constipation are provided Use of trapeze for change of position is encouraged

Osteomyelitis An infection of bone usually by staph Usually r/t a local injury to the bone such as open fx, a burn or contamination during surgery. Can be r/t skin abrasion, abscessed teeth or otitis media. S/s: Hx of trauma or infection. Fever, restless, localized inflammation & increased pressure cause pain, r/t purulent drainage in bone marrow. Treatment & Nursing Care: IV antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks & pain relief

Bone Tumors Osteosarcoma A primary malignant tumor of the long bones 2 most frequent malignant tumors in the child are osteosarcoma & Ewing’s sarcoma. Usually occur 10-15 yo. Symptoms: pain & swelling at site; later, pathological fx may occur Treatment: radical resection or amputation Ewing’s Sarcoma Cancer of the bone marrow in the long bones Occurs mostly in older school age and early adolescent. Treatment: Tumor is sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy so amputation is generally not recommended

Juvenile Idopathic Arthritis A systemic inflammatory dx affecting joints, connective tissues, & viscera. Peak onset is 1-3 yr & 8-10 yr. Goals of therapy reduce joint pain & swelling promote mobility, growth & development promote independent functioning help child & family adjust to a chronic dx. Meds: NSAIDs, immune suppressant drugs, methotrexate, IV immunoglobins, antirheumatics Occupational & physical therapy; psychological support Morning tub baths, warm soaks & moist heat packs. No pillow or small flat pillow to promote body alignment

Scoliosis Lordosis Kyphosis Scoliosis

Scoliosis Two Types Treatment and Nursing Interventions Functional - usually caused by poor posture, not spinal dx Structural - caused by changes in shape of vertebrae or thorax Treatment and Nursing Interventions Curves up to 20 degrees don’t require tx. 20 to 40 degree curves require a Milwaukee brace worn over a tee-shirt 23 hours a day. Scoliosis Screening examine the spine from the front, side & back while adolescent stands erect & then observing the back when bent over. Look for general body alignment & asymmetry

Milwaukee brace

Sports Injuries Sports-specific examinations are given for those involved in strenuous activity on entry into middle school or high school What are some prevention measures? Common injuries include Concussion “Stingers” or “burners” Injured knee Sprain or strained ankle Muscle cramps Shin splints

Child abuse Emotional abuse Emotional neglect Sexual abuse verbal acts that destroy child’s self-esteem Emotional neglect intentional omission of verbal or behavioral actions that are necessary for dev of healthy self-esteem Sexual abuse act performed on a child for gratification of adult Physical neglect failure to provide basic needs of child Physical abuse deliberate infliction of injury on a child

Child Abuse

Nursing interventions Identify high-risk infants & parents during prenatal & perinatal periods Both verbal & non-verbal communications are important Keep factual & objective records An abused child is approached quietly; preparation for tx explained in advance; praise used when appropriate Nurse must acknowledge there are always two victims in child abuse

Assessing for child abuse

Assessing for child abuse Bruises heal in various stages by color: 1 to 2 days – swollen, tender Up to 5 days – red/purple 5 to 7 days – green 7 to 10 days – yellow 10 to 14 days – brown Be suspicious of multiple bruises in various stages of healing!

Legal Reporting suspected abuse or neglect All persons who report suspected abuse or neglect are given immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability if the report is made in good faith Know what your state laws mandate for health care providers

Nursing Interventions for Abused and Neglected Children and Adolescents Teach child anxiety-reducing techniques Assist child in managing his or her feelings Teach child assertiveness skills Assist child in developing problem-solving skills Assist child in value-building and clarification Assist child in enhancing his or her coping mechanisms

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