Musculoskeletal Trauma

About

Musculoskeletal Trauma

What is Musculoskeletal Trauma?

Musculoskeletal trauma refers to injuries that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues. These injuries result from accidents such as falls, sports mishaps, car crashes, or sudden impact. Trauma can range from minor sprains to severe fractures and dislocations.

Musculoskeletal trauma is extremely common and can impact people of all ages. Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent long-term complications.

Is Musculoskeletal Trauma common?

Yes. It is one of the most frequent reasons for emergency room and urgent care visits. Active adults, athletes, elderly individuals, and people with bone-weakening conditions (like osteoporosis) are at higher risk.

Causes

What causes Musculoskeletal Trauma?

Common causes include:

  • Falls:  especially in older adults
  • Sports injuries:  collisions, twisting injuries, overexertion
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Workplace injuries
  • Direct impact or blows
  • Overuse or repetitive strain (though typically classified as overuse injuries rather than acute trauma)

With Insurance

Orthopedics

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

*Price Effective 12/1/2025
$169
Initial Visit
$109
Follow Up

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of the injury and may include:

  • Sudden pain
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Stiffness or limited movement
  • Visible deformity (in fractures or dislocations)
  • Difficulty bearing weight
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness in the affected area

Diagnosis

Musculoskeletal trauma is diagnosed using:

  • Medical history and physical exam
  • X-rays  to detect fractures and dislocations
  • MRI for ligament, tendon, or muscle injuries
  • CT scans  for complex fractures
  • Ultrasound for soft-tissue injuries

Treatment

Treatment depends on the injury:

Conservative care:

  • Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
  • Immobilization with splints or braces
  • Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy for rehabilitation

Procedures and surgery:

  • Casting or reduction (realigning bones or joints)
  • Surgical repair of fractures, ligaments, or tendons
  • Internal fixation (plates, screws, rods) for severe fractures

With proper care, most musculoskeletal trauma injuries heal fully.

References

  • OrthoInfo — American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (musculoskeletal diseases & conditions). 
  • “The Evolution of the Musculoskeletal Trauma Section…” (review / overview).
  • Best practices / trauma guidelines (ACS / FACS).

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Javeed Siddiqui, MD, MPH

Dr. Siddiqui is the Chief Medical Officer at TeleMed2U responsible for clinical and technical program development as well as maintaining a thriving telemedicine practice in infectious diseases which includes specialized care of Hepatitis and HIV.

Meet our doctors

TM2U Curve inverted

Affordable – with or without insurance

With Insurance

Orthopedics

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

*Price Effective 12/1/2025
$169
Initial Visit
$109
Follow Up