Musculoskeletal System

used to see acute or chronic tears of the joint capsule or ligaments of the knee, shoulder, ankle, or wrist

• radioplaque injected to joint cavity
• joint put to ROM to distribute agent
• x-rays are taken

*note - contrast agent will leak from joint cavity if tear is present for 1-2 days

• normal to hear clicking/cracking in joint for 1-2 days
• joint rested for 12 hrs
• compression elastic bandage applied
• assess for allergies to contrast agent if used

• pregnancy
• claustrophobia
• inability to tolerate position due to age
• debility or disability
• metal implants

used to estimate bone mineral density (BMD)

used to estimate extent of osteoporosis and monitor pt's response to osteoporosis tx

to detect metastatic & primary bone tumors, osteomyelitis, fractures, & aseptic necrosis

*radioisotope injected IV - scan done 2-3 hrs after injection

• possible allergies to radioisotope
• contraindicated to pregnant women
• drink lots of fluids to distribute & eliminate the isotope
• empty bladder bec a full bladder interferes w/ accurate scanning of pelvic bones

• direct visualization of a joint (joint structures, synovium, articular surfaces)
• used to diagnose joint disorders

repair/treat tears, defects, and disease process through arthroscope

• infection
• hemarthrosis
• neurovascular compromise
• thrombophlebitis
• stiffness
• effusion
• adhesions
• delayed wound healing

• joint wrapped w/ compression dressing to control swelling
• ice to control edema & promote comfort
• joint extended/elevated to reduce swelling
• adm analgesics

• swelling
• numbness
• cool skin

joint aspiration to obtain synovial fld for examination or relieve pain d/t effusion

• (synovial fluid)
• septic arthritis
• inflammatory arthopathies
• bleeding
• pain from effusion

• clear
• pale
• straw colored
• scanty in volume

• sterile dressing applied
• risk for infection

• used to
• immobilize reduced fracture
• correct deformity
• apply uniform pressure on soft tissue
• support and stabilize weakend joints

• let pt know to expect increasing warmth
• don't put on hard/sharp edges while drying

• less costly
• better mold than fiberglass
• will also produce heat
• crystallization process takes 15-20 mins
• 24-72 hrs to completely dry

may be used after cast

• do not require rigid immobilization
• used when swelling is anticipated or require special skin care

• used to provide support, control movement, prevent addtl injury
• for longer use than splints

• assess neurovascular status
• consider swelling, bruising, skin abrasions
• let pt know what to expect with procedure
• assess pain (character & intensity)
• most pain can be relieved by elevation, cold packs, analgesics