Explaining The Major Disorders That Affect The Skeleton And Joints (Term Paper Sample)

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Disorders that affect the skeleton and joints
A human skeleton has up to 206 bones. It is the part of the body that provide support, shape our bodies, and protect delicate organs among other functions. Joints in the body are connections between bones in the body which join the skeletal system into a functional whole (Berendsen & Olsen, 2015). Skeletons can be damaged by many types of injuries or diseases. Some of these diseases are discussed below.
Osteoporosis
This is a skeletal system disorder that occurs as a result in the loss of bone tissue. This makes the bone to deteriorate over time making them susceptible to fracture. Factors such as vitamin D deficiency, bone cancer, calcium deficiency, imbalance of hormones in postmenopausal women and genetic disposition can lead to osteoporosis.
Fracture
This is a common skeletal system injury that results from breakage of bone. A bone can be partially or completely broken depending on the intensity or severity of the impact and other pathological factors. A dislocation of a joint can result from too much pressure on ligaments and bones (Bradley, 2015).
Osteomyelitis
This is a serious condition that occurs when a bone has an infection due to an open fracture or surgery. A specific strain of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus can lead to infection of the bone marrow. Osteomyelitis is characterized by intense pain, fever, swelling around the infected bone, restricted movement, chills, weakness and nausea.
Arthritis
This is a joint inflammation that causes pain, stiffness and swelling. The swollen joint can become completely damaged over the time. Most causes of arthritis include injury at the joint, inheritance, abnormal metabolism, infections, and immune system dysfunction among other causes (Salazar, 2016).
Bursitis
This is a disease that is characterized by the inflammation of a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. This occurs when a person tends to overuse the joint. Pain and swelling are the major symptoms of this disease.
Dislocations
These are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. A knee, an ankle, hip, shoulder, jaw or j...