Anatomy of ageing Flashcards
average loss of height per decade
1cm
why do we lose height as we age (5)
narrowing of inter-vertebral discs Osteoporosis Vertebral collapse Kyphosis Loss of arches of foot
what is osteoporosis
loss of bone density
Tx for osteoporosis
oestrogen replacement
bisphosphonates
calcium supplements
exercise
decreased alcohol and smoking
risks associated with osteoporosis
fractures- NOF, colles
characteristic sign of a NOF fracture
shortened, externally rotated leg due to psoas major traction
what is Pagets disease aka osteitis deformans
Excessive breakdown and formation of bone.
Disorganised remodelling of bone
consequences of paget’s disease
weakness and fractures
pain/pressure on nerves
what is osteoarthritis
age related joint degeneration
symptoms of osteoarthritis
Causes pain, stiffness, loss of function.
define valgus
joint deviating away from midline eg. genu valgus
define varus
joint deviated towards midline
what is a hallux valgus?
bunion
describe skin changes
Loss of collagen & elastin. Causes wrinkles & sagging. ↑ fragility & injury. Fragile vessels= purpura ↓ sebum production= dryness ↓ melanocytes= pallor. ↓ sub-cutaneous fat= loss of padding and insulation ↓ production of sweat ↓ Thermo-regulatory control Pigmentation
describe facial changes
Loss of pigment from hair Hair loss from scalp Excess hair (nose/ears) Skin wrinkles Laxity of skin Lengthening of ears & nose Lengthening of nose Sunken eyes Reduced jaw mass (bone/gum) Prominent forehead
describe changes in eyes
cataracts
gradual loss of vision
corneal arcus
xanthalasma
what is ectropion
Out-turning of lower eyelid due to weakness of palpebral ligaments.
what is entropion
Inward turning of lower eyelid due to weakness of peri-orbital muscles.
what can cause long-sightedness
Weakening of ciliary muscle.
Loss of elasticity of lens.
what is presbyopia
long-sightedness
what is glaucoma
Raised intra-ocular pressure, that damages retina & optic nerve and leads to loss of vision.
Obstruction of the trabecular network in the ‘canal of Schlemm’
Aqueous humour absorbed slower than it is formed.
Pressure on lens, then vitreous humour, then choroid & retina.
what can cause cerebral atrophy?
Injury: Cerebral palsy, CVA, trauma, steroids.
Infection: Encephalitis, syphilis, AIDS.
Metabolic: Diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, anorexia, vitamin deficiency.
Degenerative: Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, vascular, Pick’s disease.
Genetic: Huntingdon’s chorea.
Epilepsy
Alcohol.
consequences of atheroma
Rupture of plaques. Clot formation. Narrowing of lumen. Thrombosis. Embolism Thrombosis of anterior inter-ventricular (Left Anterior Descending) artery is commonest cause of myocardial infarction
common valvular changes in ageing
Stenosis Incompetence Murmurs Thrills Bruits Ventricular hypertrophy
what causes varicose veins
Incompetent valves lead to retrograde flow.
Veins become dilated & tortuous
describe some age related pulmonary changes
Loss of elasticity
Narrowing of airways.
Reduced ciliary activity & secretion of mucous membranes.
Collapse of alveoli.
Reduced surface area of alveoli.
‘Senile emphysema’
Reduced compliance of thoracic cage: -Loss of elasticity -Calcification of ribs -Loss of respiratory muscle mass
what is a volvulus?
mal rotation of a loop of bowel
consequences of volvulus
obstruction and ischaemia
what is a cystocoele
Prolapsed bladder
what is a rectocoele
prolapsed rectum
