Care plans related to conditions affecting the musculoskeletal (bones and muscles) system are covered in this category.
The knees are one of the most complex joints in the body. They support most of the body’s weight, making it prone to injuries and overuse. Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that replaces parts of an injured knee joint to relieve knee discomfort and resolve issues with mobility and ambulation. Artificial plastic or metal … Read more
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes a person’s immune system to mistakenly attack its own body tissues resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. It usually affects the hands, feet, and wrists. RA has the potential to cause systemic inflammation affecting the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood … Read more
Osteoporosis is a chronic and progressive disease of the bone characterized by deterioration of bone tissue and low bone mass, leading to increased bone brittleness and fragility. The main concern with osteoporosis is the increased risk of fractures, which can happen very easily since the bones are porous and weak. This condition affects women more … Read more
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis. This condition is associated with the gradual loss of cartilage between joints and the formation of osteophytes or outgrowths at the margins of the joints. This is what causes pain and can lead to joint damage. The hands, knees, hips, and … Read more
The spinal cord transmits nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body. It is enclosed and safeguarded by layers of tissue known as the meninges and a column of vertebrae (spinal bones). Damage to the spinal cord is called spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI may be permanent and life-threatening. Depending on the … Read more
Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibers that releases muscle components into the blood. This condition can result from trauma, overexertion, toxic substances, ischemia, infections, prolonged bed rest, and other underlying health conditions. Myoglobin, creatine kinase, electrolytes, and other substances are released into the blood when the muscles become damaged. In excess, these … Read more
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction. This condition is characterized by fluctuating weakness of skeletal muscle groups that worsens with use and improves with rest. MG involves an autoimmune process in which antibodies attack the ACh receptors (AChR), resulting in fewer AChR at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs, ACh … Read more
Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. This type of arthritis is known for its painful flares that can last up to two weeks following periods without any symptoms. Overview Gout primarily occurs when there is an overproduction of … Read more
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Bones may become prone to infection from trauma, surgery, ischemia, or bacteria from surrounding tissues. Osteomyelitis can result from a systemic bacterial infection that extends to the bones (sepsis or bacteremia). This form typically affects a child’s long bones, such as the femur or humerus. Adult cases of … Read more
Hip fractures refer to a fracture or break in the femur near the hip joint. They are most common in older adults and are frequently caused by falls. Younger patients can also experience hip fractures, most likely from trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. Pathological fractures are caused by a disease process, such as … Read more