Which type of decompression sickness involves larger joints such as the knee or shoulder and presents with dull, progressive pain as ascent continues?

Which type of decompression sickness involves larger joints such as the knee or shoulder and presents with dull, progressive pain as ascent continues?

• A. Type 1 Bends
• B. Type II DCS
• C. Pulmonary DCS
• D. Skin DCS

Answer: (A)

Decompression sickness shows up in two main forms depending on which tissues are affected. When inert gas bubbles form in the joints and surrounding tissues, the result is musculoskeletal pain that’s typically dull, aching, and progressive as ascent continues. Large joints like the knee or shoulder are classic sites because they trap and distend in the synovial spaces, producing irritation of nerves and tissues and a worsening pain with ongoing ascent. This presentation is the bends, the Type I form of decompression sickness, which is focused on joints and sometimes skin but does not involve the neurologic or pulmonary systems. In contrast, Type II DCS involves the nervous system or cardiopulmonary system, leading to symptoms such as confusion, weakness or numbness from CNS involvement, or chest symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath from pulmonary involvement. Skin DCS refers to cutaneous changes such as itching or mottling. So the dull, progressive joint pain in a large joint during ascent best fits the bends.

Decompression sickness shows up in two main forms depending on which tissues are affected. When inert gas bubbles form in the joints and surrounding tissues, the result is musculoskeletal pain that’s typically dull, aching, and progressive as ascent continues. Large joints like the knee or shoulder are classic sites because they trap and distend in the synovial spaces, producing irritation of nerves and tissues and a worsening pain with ongoing ascent. This presentation is the bends, the Type I form of decompression sickness, which is focused on joints and sometimes skin but does not involve the neurologic or pulmonary systems.

In contrast, Type II DCS involves the nervous system or cardiopulmonary system, leading to symptoms such as confusion, weakness or numbness from CNS involvement, or chest symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath from pulmonary involvement. Skin DCS refers to cutaneous changes such as itching or mottling. So the dull, progressive joint pain in a large joint during ascent best fits the bends.