Hard tissue injuries include fractures, dislocations and loss of teeth. That is, any injury to the skeletal system. A fracture is the technical term for a broken bone and there are various types of fracture with various degrees of complication. The other main hard tissue injury is a dislocation. A dislocation is when a joint is displaced. There are some joints more susceptible to dislocation than others and dislocations always result in various soft tissue injuries as well. 

Hard tissue injuries need to be assessed and managed quickly. The first aid response of DRSABCD should always be followed when dealing with injuries. In sport TOTAPS is also likely to be used in the assessment of the injury to determine the nature and extent of the injury and if the athlete can continue to play. Once a hard tissue injury is identified it should be immobilised and medical attention sought as soon as possible.

Students learn about:

• hard tissue injuries
  • fractures
  • dislocation

Students learn to:

• manage hard tissue injuries
  • assessment for medical attention
  • immobilisation