Musculoskeletal Disorders and Injuries: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies

The musculoskeletal system is an organ system which facilitates movement and provides support, form and stability to the body. It is comprised of the bones of the skeleton, muscles, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, joints and other connective tissue that bind tissues and organs together. The disorders of the musculoskeletal system encompass motion discrepancies or functional disorders. As several other body systems such as the nervous, vascular and integumentary systems are correlated with the musculoskeletal system, disorders within these systems also affect the musculoskeletal system. Articular disorders are the most common musculoskeletal disorder. The disorders of the muscles of a different body system can cause respiratory dysfunction, bladder malfunction and impairment of ocular motion. Muscular dysfunctions, such as paresis, ataxia or paralysis can arise due to infections or toxin exposure. The level of impairment caused by these disorders depends on the condition and its severity. The musculoskeletal system can also be injured due to acute traumatic events, repeated exposure to awkward posture, force or vibration. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the assessment and management of musculoskeletal disorders and trauma. For all those who are interested in orthopedics, this book can prove to be an essential guide.