What is a key indicator of spinal or peripheral nerve injury in an MSK trauma evaluation?

Loss of sensation to pain and touch is a key indicator of spinal or peripheral nerve injury during an MSK trauma evaluation. This loss of sensory function can indicate that the nerves supplying sensation to the affected area are damaged or compromised. When there is trauma to the spine or peripheral nerves, one would expect changes in sensory input, which may be manifested as numbness, tingling, or a complete absence of sensation in certain areas. This assessment helps clinicians determine the extent of nerve involvement and guides further diagnostic and treatment decisions, such as imaging studies or surgical intervention if necessary.

In contrast, excessive swelling in the extremities may suggest localized inflammation or injury but does not specifically indicate nerve damage. Presence of crepitus might signify issues such as fracture or joint instability, while discomfort upon palpation of bones could indicate bone tenderness or fractures, but these findings do not directly assess nerve integrity. Therefore, loss of sensation is the most definitive indicator of potential nerve injury in this context.