Joints Case Histories

Case Study 8 Joints

1. A) It’s a crack in the fibrocartilage of intervertebral discs that will force the inner mass of it outwards.

B) Because the pressure from the inner mass of the disc pushes on the spinal cords and nerves.

C) A symphysis joint is between two vertebrae.

D) It would be a synarthrotic joint.

2. A) To me, I would say he sprained it.

B) Resting of, or immobilization of the ankle.

3. A) Her condition sounds like arthritis.

The kneecap isn’t really a joint with articular cartilage that wears out. It is also not usually in just one joint occasionally.

The condition could be Bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa in her knees; either the suprapattellar bursa or the prepatellar bursa could be affected.

B) It was probably caused by the wear and tear on the joints, tendons, and ligaments over the years. Especially if she scrubbed while being on her knees, as well as all the movement and twisting of the joint.

4. A) Gout is extreme pain and swelling of a large joint.

B) It is caused by an excess of uric acid that cause crystals to form in the joints.

5. A) His shoulder is probably dislocated from being hit.

B) He will have to have medical treatment, the doctors will have to have to manipulate the arm to place the joint back into place, as well as resting it and immobilization of the shoulder.

6. A) She suffers from osteoarthritis.

B) The damaged area would be the articular cartilage of the joint.

C) The cartilage softens, slowly disintegrating and causes the articular surfaces to become rough.

This is the damage. What CAUSES the damage?

As we age our body has less synovial fluid to “cushion” the joints, which allows for ease of movement. We also lose collagen which affects how “elastic” our ligaments are.

D) Exercise is suggested to keep the joints from locking up and freezing into place.