Which of the following is a sign of injury to muscle, bone, or joint?

• A. Bone protruding, body part bent or deformed, cannot move, may have popping or grating
• B. Numbness in toes
• C. Mild headache
• D. Redness

Answer: (A)

When a muscle, bone, or joint is injured, the most telling signs are those that show the structure is out of alignment or damaged. Seeing a bone protruding or a limb that is visibly bent or deformed indicates a serious fracture or dislocation. If the person cannot move the affected part, that loss of function strongly suggests a fracture or joint injury. A popping or grating sensation or sound at the site (crepitus) also points to damaged bone or joint surfaces. In contrast, numbness in toes can involve nerves or circulation, a mild headache is a general symptom, and redness by itself isn’t specific enough to indicate a fracture or joint injury. So deformity, inability to move, and crepitus are the clear signs of injury to muscle, bone, or a joint.