Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Classification of Nerve Injury
Soft Tissue Lesions
Pathological End Feels
Definitions
100

Sustained pressure that is applied externally onto a peripheral nerve that results in ischemia of the nerve (no longer getting blood flow that it needs to support normal cell function to transmit signals). 

Compression 

100

- Segmental demyelination 

- AP slowed or blocked at point of demyelination, but normal above and below

- Muscle does not atrophy, temporary sensation symptoms

- Results from mild ischemia from compression or traction 

- Recovery is usually complete

Neuropraxia

100
5 Examples of soft tissue lesions

Strain, Sprain, subluxation, dislocation and rupture 

100

Stops early and abruptly with a rebound from hyperactivated muscles. Usually accompanied by pain. 

Muscle Guarding End Feel
100

The amount of oxygen consumed by the heart

Myocardial oxygen consumption 

200

Cut (sever) the nerve (i.e. from a knife, surgical complication, injection, GSW, etc.) 

Laceration 

200

- loss of atonal continuity but CT coverings remain intact 

- Wallerian degeneration distal to lesion 

- Muscle fiber atrophy and loss of sensation 

- d/t prolonged compression or stretch causing infarction and necrosis

- Recovery is incomplete, may require surgical intervention 

Axonotmesis 

200

This grade of soft tissue injury is classified as mild pain at the time of injury or within the first 24 hours. Mild swelling, local tenderness, and pain occur when the tissue is stressed. 

Grade 1

200

It can be felt with chronic conditions like adhesive capsulitis or in acute inflammatory situations. The normal end feel is described as “stretching old leather”, this end feel has the same leathery quality, but with less ROM. 

Capsular 

200

Measure of the bodies capacity to use oxygen, measured in O2 consumed per minute when an individual has reached their all out max effort 

VO2 Max

300

Excessively stretch or place tension on a nerve, creating micro tears from too much traction/ tensile/ stretching force

Stretch

300

- Complete severance of nerve fiber with disruption of CT coverings

- Wallerian degeneration distal to lesion 

- Muscular fiber atrophy and sensory loss

- d/t GSW, Stab wounds, avulsion or rupture

- No recovery w/o surgery

Neurotmesis

300

This grade of soft tissue injury is classified as near-complete or complete tear or avulsion of the tissue (tendon or ligament) with severe pain. Stress to the tissue is usually painless; palpation may reveal the defect. A torn ligament results in instability of the joint. 

Grade 3 

300

Involves a soft, spongy quality, usually from excessive swelling in and around a joint. 

Boggy

300

Ability to work for prolonged periods of time/ resist fatigue 

Endurance

400

Caused by exposure to radiation therapy 

Radiation 

400

What is the timeline for regeneration of nerves in the body? 

1 inch per day. However, rates of 0.5-9.0mm have also been reported. 

400

This grade of soft tissue injury is classified as moderate pain that requires stopping the activity. Stress and palpation of the tissue greatly increase the pain. When the injury is to ligaments, some of the fibers are torn, resulting in some increased joint mobility. 

Grade 2

400

D/t the internal derangement of the joint. Usually Occurring in articulations that contain menisci or articulation discs, this end feel involves a pronounced rebound effect at the end of movement. 

Spring block end-feel

400

Planned/ structured activity designed to improve/ maintain physical fitness

Exercise

500

Lightening strike or being electrocuted from an outlet

Electrical 

500

Definition: Cardiovascular and MSK systems ability to adapt to the training stimulus over time

Adaptation 

500

Length of healing time in: 

1. Grade 1 Muscle Injury

2. Grade 2 Muscle Injury

3. Grade 3 Muscle Injury 

1. 0-5 weeks

2. 3 weeks - 3 months

3. 5 weeks - 6 months

500

Occurs when the movement stops d/t the significant pain that the pt feels. 

Empty

500

Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle contraction 

Physical Activity

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