2. Skeletal System - Pathologies Flashcards
Fractures
Any break in a bone
Causes include trauma, low bone density (osteoporosis), vitamin D deficiency
Types of Fractures
Complete - bone is broken in two of more fragments
Incomplete - not in fragments
Avulsion - tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of bone
Fracture repair
- Haematoma (& inflammation): Blood vessels at fracture line are broken and blood leaks into site. Causes death of local cells and swelling.
- Fibrocartilaginous callus formation: Phagocytes clean up the debris. Fibroblasts invade & lay down collagen forming a ‘soft callus’ (2-3 weeks).
- Bony callus formation: Osteoblasts replace cart with new bone(<3 months).
- Bone remodelling:The callus is mineralised & compact bone laid down. Then Osteoclasts reshape the new bone. Remodelling occurs over months to years.
Sprains
Involve a trauma that fores a joint beyond its normal range, over-straining / tearing ligaments
Subluxation
Incomplete or partial joint dislocation
Dislocation
Complete separation of the two bones at a joint
Kyphosis
Rounding of the upper back.
Lordosis
Increased concavity in the lumbar and cervical spine
Scoliosis
A lateral S-shaped curve in the spine
Osteoporosis
Chronic, progressive thinning of the bone (porous bone).
Characterised by decreased bone mineral density leading to bone fragility & and an increased risk of fracture
Diagnosed by ‘Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry’
Osteoporosis: Risk Factors
Increasing age -> over 30 Female and post-menopausal Poor diet Drugs -> long term corticosteroid therapy GIT diseases Genetics Sedentary lifestyle Endrocrine pathologies (Cushings, hyperparathyroidism) Low body weight High alcohol consumption and smoking Toxins (heavy metals)
Osteoporosis: Signs & Symptoms
Fractures with minor trauma
Focal pain and kyphotic posture with loss of height
Pain is aggravated by prolongued sitting, standing or bending, relieved by lying on side with hips & knees flexed
Osteorporosis: Treatment
Bisphosphonates (AledronicAcid)
HRT
Osteomalacia and Rickets
Inadequate mineralisation of the bone matrix in spongy and compact bone.
Softening of bone
Rickets - prior to epiphyseal plate closure >18yo
Osteomalacia - as adult or adolescent
Osteomalacia and Rickets: Causes
Vitamin D deficiency, possibly due to:
• Insufficient sunlight.
• Insufficient dietary vitamin D.
• Secondary deficiency: malabsorption disorders.
•Reduced receptor sites for vitamin D in tissues
Osteomalacia and Rickets: Signs and Symptoms
- Deformed bones (bowed legs) & possible fractures.
- Severe back pain & muscle weakness.
- In Rickets:Delayed closure of fontanelles and skull softening.