In a musculoskeletal examination, what does the presence of soft tissue tenderness suggest?

The presence of soft tissue tenderness during a musculoskeletal examination indicates a likely injury to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments surrounding a joint, which is characteristic of contusions or strains. When soft tissue tenderness is noted, it suggests that there is irritation or inflammation in the soft tissue structures, often arising from trauma or overuse, making contusions (bruises due to direct force) and strains (injuries to muscles or tendons resulting from overstretching) the most plausible scenarios.

This contrasts with conditions like fractures, which typically present with more severe findings such as point tenderness over the bone, swelling, and possible deformity. A full range of motion is generally associated with the absence of serious injury or underlying pathology, while a stable condition indicates no acute changes or concerns that might require intervention. Thus, soft tissue tenderness strongly aligns with the likelihood of a contusion or strain rather than any of the other options.