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| By Kevin T. Collopy, BA, FP-C, CCEMT-P, NREMT-P, WEMT, Sean M. Kivlehan, MD, MPH, NREMT-P, & Scott R. Snyder, BS, NREMT-P Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant source of pain; appropriate management is key to patient comfort and long-term recovery M l k l t l i j i CONTINUING EDUCATION This CE activity is approved by EMS World, an E T i organization accredited by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS), for 1.5 CEUs. OBJECTIVES • Review the anatomy of the musculoskelatal system • Describe the physics of fractures • Review consequences of improper splinting • Discuss management of musculoskelatal injuries Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most common injuries EMS providers manage. Nearly 85% of all patients suffering blunt force trauma experience some sort of musculoskeletal injury.1 In addition, musculoskeletal injuries affect one in four Americans annually, and their symptoms are the number two reason for physician visits.2 EMS providers encounter musculoskeletal injuries in a wide variety of incidents including motor vehicle collisions, sporting accidents, falls and physical assaults. Musculoskeletal injuries are a signifi cant source of pain,1 and their proper management not only reduces this pain but also reduces further injury to surrounding tissues and prevents long-term damage. Isolated musculoskeletal injuries, as well as those occurring during 36 FEBRUARY 2012 | EMSWORLD.com i ifi t multi-system trauma, all deserve the same proper management to provide the patient optimal care. Musculoskeletal System The musculoskeletal system is a living organ system comprised of connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones that work together to provide the body with stability, form, support, protection and the ability to move. Bones are living organs that serve many additional functions. They are a major storage area for calcium and phosphorus and the bone marrow produces red blood cells. When the body has a surplus of calcium and phos- phorus, it has the ability to deposit the surplus of these minerals in the bones. Conversely, when the body experiences a shortage of either mineral it will pull the mineral from the bone.