Arthritic and Skeletal Conditions

Question 1

What is ankylosing spondylitis? Symptoms?

Answer 1

Progressive inflammatory disorder that affects the spine

1. First sxs include mid and low back pain, morning stiffness and sacroiliitis
2. Results in kyphotic deformity of the cervical and thoracic spine and a decrease in lumbar lordosis

Question 2

What is gout?

Answer 2

Genetic disorder of purine metabolism (elevated uric acid levels)

Uric acid changes into crystals and deposits into peripheral joints and other tissues (i.e. kidneys)

Question 3

What areas of the body are most commonly affected by gout?

Answer 3

Knees

Great toe of the foot

Question 4

What is rheumatoid arthritis? Symptoms?

Answer 4

Autoimmune disorder that is characterized by bilateral symmetrical joint involvement

Symptoms = Pain, swelling, tenderness and increased temperature of the affected joints

Systemic sxs = weight loss, fever and extreme fatigue

Question 5

What is osteomalacia? Symptoms?

Answer 5

Characterized by decalcification of bones due to vitamin D deficiency

Symptoms = severe pain, fractures, weakness and deformities

Question 6

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Answer 6

Dysfunction of sympathetic nervous system which includes pain, circulation and vasomotor disturbances

Question 7

Describe the 2 different types of CRPS.

Answer 7

Type 1 = triggered by tissue injury, but have no nerve injury
Type 2 = same sxs but their cases are associated with nerve injury

Question 8

What is Paget’s disease?

Answer 8

Metabolic bone disease involving abnormal osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity

Results in spinal stenosis, facet arthropathy and possible spinal fracture