Disorders of the Muscular and Skeletal System

Disorders of muscular and skeletal system definition

Our body requires a lot of systems to work together in synchronisation to function, and two of those systems are the muscular system and Skeletal System. These muscular system and skeletal system are separate but complementary to each other in such a way that neither of them can work alone. In our Skeleton System there are 206 bones and approximately 600 muscles. Cartilages, ligaments, tissues and tendons are important parts to help both the muscular system and skeletal system work together to support the body. 

It is important to know that there are three types of muscles in our body, namely; cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscles. Smooth muscles and skeletal muscles are parts of the musculoskeletal system, and this system ensures body movement, circulation of blood, protection of organs, body posture and forming a structure of the body.

Disorder of the muscular and skeletal system

Disorder of anything means not working as it should be, or not working normally, or as intended. Most of the disorder of the muscular and skeletal system occurs due to wear and tear, lack of vital components, and many such ailments. Lifestyle is one of the major reasons for the disorder of the muscular and skeletal system. There are many types of disorders of the muscular and skeletal system, and these can be broadly classified into the following categories,

Skeletal System Disorder

Arthritis – caused by inflammation of one or more joints. It is quite painful and can be further divided into four categories;

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is caused by a reaction in the auto-immune system. It is caused by an inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joints. When too much synovial fluid and pannus are secreted, it causes erosion of cartilage
• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common of joint diseases, and it is known as degenerative joint disease. The cause of this disease is gradual wear and tear, or erosion of the synovial joint’s articular cartilage
• Infectious Arthritis: These can be viral or bacterial, and caused by the presence of the organism in joints
• Gout: It is caused by excessive Uric Acid

1. Osteoporosis – caused by loss of fibres and minerals from the bone. Bone becomes weak and there are more chances of fracture. The main causes of this disease are long term use of cortisone, low levels of Vitamin D and calcium, hormonal imbalance and thyroid problems.
2. Osteomalacia or Rickets – In children, it is called Rickets. It is caused by a low level of phosphorus and calcium, and the reasons could be low Vitamin D, hereditary and kidney disease. 
3. Bursitis – Caused due to inflammation in the joint’s bursae and the reason could be injury or excessive pressure.
4. Fracture and Dislocation – Break of bone and dislocation of joints can be caused by an injury or extreme pressure. 
5. Paget’s Disease – It is the deformation of bones due to atypical osteoclasts, and it can cause abnormally soft or thick bones.
6. Spondylitis – Spine is affected in this disease and it impairs skeletal muscle function. 

The Muscular System Disorder

1. Sprain and Strain – It is caused by joint twisting or ligament injury, and it can cause damage to nerves, blood vessels, tendons and muscles.
2. Tetany – Rapid muscle contractions or spasms caused by a low level of calcium and nutrition.
3. Myasthenia Gravis – Weak and abnormally high fatigue caused by autoimmune disease. It could also cause skeletal muscle paralysis. 
4. Dystrophy – It is caused by gene disorder and due to lack of dystrophin protein. It causes decay of movement controlling skeletal muscles. 

Disorders of muscular and skeletal system examples

As per disorders of muscular and skeletal system definition, these disorders are the diseases that affect both the muscular and skeletal systems. Arthritis, osteoporosis, dislocation, sprain, rickets, muscular dystrophy, tetany, and other common musculoskeletal system illnesses are some of the disorders of muscular and skeletal system examples.

Some of the other disorders of muscular and skeletal system examples are: back pain, bursitis, fibrous dysplasia, growth plate injuries, hip replacement surgery and many more.