Musculoskeletal sprains and strains

Highlights: Summary; Overview

Basics: Definition; Epidemiology; Aetiology; Pathophysiology; Classification

Prevention: Primary

Diagnosis: History & examination; Tests; Differential; Step-by-step; Criteria; Guidelines; Case history

Treatment: Details; Step-by-step; Guidelines; Evidence

Follow Up: Recommendations; Complications; Prognosis

Resources: References; Online resources; Patient leaflets; Credits

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Notes

Differential diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis table forMusculoskeletal sprains and strains
Condition	Differentiating signs/symptoms	Differentiating tests
Fracture	Can be easily differentiated from grade 1 and 2 sprain and strain, but difficult to differentiate from grade 3 injuries. Usually needs additional tests to differentiate.	Radiography in 2 planes usually can identify fracture and dislocations.
Cartilage injury	Difficult to differentiate clinically from joint sprain.	MRI often required. Will show intact ligaments as well as the size and extent of the cartilage injury.

Last updated: Oct 25, 2012

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