A comparison of three disorders of the musculoskeletal system: explaining and comparing
how they bring about movements.
Three disorder types of the musculoskeletal system are degenerative, trauma and
congenital.
Degenerative – Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of degenerative disorder of the musculoskeletal system.
Rheumatoid arthritis in an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. This is when the body’s
own immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues. The synovial membrane may be
inflamed which leads to thickening of the membrane, pain and swelling of the joints. This
can cause problems to other areas of the body. It may cause chest pain in the heart or lungs
if they are affected. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, however the hands and feet are
usually the first to be affected (Annets, 2016) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
2020). There are many symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Pain is a common
type of symptom and usually worsens after a period of inactivity. The joints may swell up
and cause pain when touched. The patient may also lack energy and have a high
temperature. (NHS Choices, “Symptoms Rheumatoid Arthritis”).
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect different parts of the body. The articular cartilage is one of
them. It is tough and flexible but is relatively easy to damage. Damage to the cartilage can
be caused by lack of movement, this is why obese people are more likely to damage their
knee as their body is under a lot of physical stress. The joints need to move regularly to keep
them healthy. However, long periods of inactivity increase the risk of damaging the cartilage
(Newman,2017).
Trauma – Sprain:
Sprain is a type of trauma disorder, this is a traumatic injury caused to a torn/twisted
ligament or muscles at a joint (NHS Choices, 2019). Common places where sprains could
occur is in the wrists, ankles, thumbs and knees. Damage to these areas may cause pain or
weakness. If these joints are swollen or bruised then the patient may experience muscle
spasms and cramps. Experiencing these problems causes difficulty in walking, the patient
cannot move their joints as much or bear weights on the affected joint (NHS Choices, 2019).
Congenital – Hip Dysplasia:
Hip dysplasia is a type of congenital disorder, an abnormal development of the hip. This is a
condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip does not form properly in babies and
young children. The head of the femur may not fit properly in the acetabular cavity,
resulting in a dislocated joint. Hip dysplasia is more common in the left hip and is more
common in girls and firstborn children (Annets, 2016) (NHS Choices, “Developmental
Dysplasia of the Hip”).
Hip dysplasia affects the osteoarthritis of the hip and back. Damage to these areas may
cause pain, resulting in difficulty for moving around (NHS Choices, “Developmental Dysplasia
of the Hip”). Osteoarthritis may occur if early treatment is not given. If the patient is
diagnosed, they continue to experience joint pain and stiffness. This causes problems in
moving the joint around.
Comparison:
