Normal Human Anatomy

Surface Anatomy

Body planes and anatomical directions

• Body planes are used as points of reference from which positions of body parts are indicated.

The three most commonly mentioned planes (Figure 10-1) are:

1. mid-sagittal plane
2. transverse plane
3. frontal (or coronal) plane

Anatomical directions refer to the relative position of one part to another (Figure 10-2).

Abdominopelvic quadrants

The abdominopelvic quadrants are the four corresponding regions of the abdomen that are divided for evaluative and diagnostic purposes (Figure 10-3).

Musculoskeletal System

Anyone examining the musculoskeletal system for sports injuries must have an in-depth knowledge of both structural and functional anatomy. This knowledge encompasses the major joints and bony structures, as well as skeletal musculature. A knowledge of neural anatomy is also of major importance, particularly that which is involved in movement control and sensation, along with the neural factors that influence superficial and deep pain.

Standard musculoskeletal terminology for bodily positions and deviations

When assessing the musculoskeletal system, a standard terminology must be used to convey more precisely information to others who may become professionally involved with the athlete. These terms are found in Table 10-1.

Biomechanics

• The understanding of biomechanics is the foundation for the assessment of musculoskeletal sports injuries.

• Biomechanics is the application of mechanical forces, which may stem from within or outside of the body, to living organisms.

Of major concern is pathomechanics, which may precede an injury.

• Pathomechanics refers to mechanical forces that are applied to the body because of a structural body deviation, leading to faulty alignment.

• Pathomechanics often cause overuse syndromes.

Descriptive Assessment Terms

When evaluating sports injuries, selected terms are used to describe and characterize what is being learned about the condition.

• Etiology refers to the cause of an injury or disease. In sports medicine, the term mechanism is often exchanged for etiology.

• Pathology refers to the structural and functional changes that result from the injury process.

After understanding of an injury's etiology, symptoms and signs are ascertained.

• Symptom refers to a perceptible change in an athlete's body or its functions that indicates an injury or disease. Symptoms are subjective and are described by the athlete to the coach, athletic trainer, or physician.
• A sign is objective, being definitive and obvious as an indicator for a specific condition. Signs are often determined when the athlete is examined.

After it is inspected, an injury may be assigned a degree or grade.

• First, second, or third degree corresponds to an injury that is mild, moderate, or severe, respectively.

• Sometimes grade is used in place of degree, depending on the examiner's preference.

Diagnosis denotes the name of a specific condition.

• To establish the diagnosis of an athlete's injury or illness, all aspects of the condition must be studied.

• Once all the possible information has been gathered about the athlete's condition, a prognosis is made.

Prognosis is a prediction of the course of the condition.

• In other words, the athlete is told what is to be expected as the injury heals. The amount of pain, swelling, or loss of function is discussed.
• Prognosis also refers to the projected outcome of an illness or injury and to the length of time predicted for complete recovery.

• For the athlete, prognosis translates into "the length of time before I can compete."

Sequela refers to a condition following and resulting from a disease or injury.

• It refers to the development of an additional condition as a complication of an existing disease or injury.

• For example, pneumonia might result from a bout with the flu, or osteoarthritis might follow a severe joint sprain.

Syndrome refers to a group of symptoms and signs that, together, indicate a particular injury or disease.