What term describes the twisting, pulling, or tearing of a tendon or muscle?

The term that describes the twisting, pulling, or tearing of a tendon or muscle is a strain. Strains occur when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn, which can happen due to excessive physical activity or sudden movements. This type of injury often results in pain, swelling, and limited movement in the affected area due to the damage affecting the muscle or tendon itself.

In contrast, a sprain specifically refers to the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which are bands of tissue that connect bones to one another at a joint. This is distinct from a strain because it involves a different anatomical structure.

A flail segment pertains to a situation where a section of a bone is broken in multiple places, resulting in a segment of the rib cage that moves independently from the rest of the chest wall, particularly affecting breathing.

A greenstick fracture describes an incomplete fracture typical in children, where the bone is bent but does not break all the way through, akin to bending a green twig.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately diagnosing and treating injuries in the field of emergency medical services.