BIOS 251 Week 7 Case Study: Joints

Student Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-251 Anatomy & Physiology I

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 7 Case Study: Joints

Required Resources

For this activity, the following resources are essential:

Textbook
Weekly Concepts
Minimum of 1 Scholarly Source

Scenario and Summary

Eli, a promising college running back prospect, had received scholarship offers from several Division I universities. His team was competing for the state championship, and as their starting running back and best player, Eli was determined to secure the title. During the third quarter, with his team trailing 24-21, Eli received a pass and dashed towards the end zone. Attempting a sharp cut to evade the last defender, Eli felt a pop in his right knee and collapsed in severe pain.

The team trainer identified the injury as knee-related, and Eli watched the rest of the game from the sidelines. An MRI performed the following day revealed swelling, hemarthrosis, and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Surgery was recommended to repair the damage.

Case Study Table

Question	Response	References
Classes of Joints Based on Structure and Function	Joints are classified into two categories: structural and functional. Structural classification describes how bones are bound: bony joints (immobile and fused bones), fibrous joints (bound by collagen fibers), cartilaginous joints (linked by cartilage), and synovial joints (separated by a joint cavity). Functional classification describes movement: synarthrosis (no movement), amphiarthrosis (limited movement), and diarthrosis (significant movement).	Salhieh (2022)
Synovial Joint in the Knee	The knee features a hinge joint, where a convex surface of one bone fits into the concave surface of another. This joint allows for uniaxial movement, primarily flexion and extension.	Salhieh (2022)
Location and Function of the ACL	The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located within the knee joint. It prevents the anterior sliding of the tibia relative to the femur and limits hyperextension, stabilizing the joint during movement.	Salhieh (2022)
Meaning of Hemarthrosis	Hemarthrosis is swelling caused by bleeding into the joint cavity, often following injury or in conditions such as hemophilia. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. If untreated, it can result in long-term joint damage.	Lombardi (2021)
Eli’s College Prospects	Eli can potentially return to college football next year if he undergoes ACL reconstruction surgery. This involves grafting a ligament from the patellar ligament or hamstring tendon and securing it with biodegradable screws. Recovery entails crutches for 7–10 days, 6–10 weeks of physical therapy, and total healing over 9 months. Adhering to this regimen could enable Eli to resume playing.	Saladin (2019)

References

Lombardi, M. (2021, August 9). Hemarthrosis. Stat Pearls [Internet]. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525999/

Saladin, K. (2019). Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill.