Arthritis Flashcards
osteoarthritis
“wear and tear disease”breakdown in the articular cartilage due to both mechanical and chemical factors
osteophytes
“bone spurs”new bone formations that can occur in addition to cartilage breakdown in OA, resulting in pain and limitations of joint movement
“triggering”
limited digital ROM caused by dragging of the tendon as it passes through a pulleyoften caused by osteophytes
“locking”
the digit locks into flexion as the tendon fails to pass through a pulleyoften caused by osteophytes
Bouchard’s nodes
nodules occurring with OA at the PIP joint
Heberden’s nodes
nodules occurring with OA at the DIP joint
crepitus
grating or popping in joints
common areas of OA involvement (6)
DIPsPIPsCMC of thumbkneeshipsspine
early stage OA
joint space narrowedswelling around joints
moderate stage OA
development of osteophytes, cysts, and/or subcondral sclerosis
late stage OA
bone erosionsubluxationfibrotic ankylosis
subcondral sclerosis
increase in bone density
fibrotic ankylosis
stiffening of a joint due to fibrous growth of tissues in joint
evaluation assessments of OA (6)
painAROMjoint stabilityinflammationpalpationability to perform ADLs
PROM and OA
typically not evaluated due to joint instability
assessing ligament stability of thumb in OA
evaluate pinch patterns
grind test
for DJD at the CMC jointinvolves compressing the joint while gently rotating the head of the metacarpal on the trapezium+ with pain and crepitus
general joint protection principles (6)
- respect pain2. balance rest and activity3. exercise in a pain-free range4. avoid positions of deformity5. reduce the effort and force6. use larger/stronger joints
Is “no pain, no gain” a good rule of thumb for the OA patient?
NO
OA modalities
warm shower/bathsuperficial heat (hot packs/fluido)non-thermal USlow level laserelectrotherapycryotherapy
exercise and OA (4)
- avoid painful ROM by staying within comfort level2. combine exercise with joint protection3. thumb web space stretching4. strengthening 1st dorsal interossi is helpful
OA of the thumb
characterized at CMC joint by MC adduction and subluxation from the trapezium, MP hyperextension, and IP flexion*deformity more pronounced during heavy pinch activities
Eaton Classification
radiographic classification for staging basal joint arthritis of the thumbwidely used to define severity as well as guide treatment
Eaton Stage I
normal appearance of articular surface and slight joint space widening