Bone and joint pathology Flashcards
How does low oestrogen increase bone resorption
In low oestrogen levels there is decreased osteoprotegerin (OPG). OPG usually acts as a decoy receptor for RANK, preventing the activation of osteoclasts by osteoblast (RANK-L) stimulation.
What is used for prevention of osteoporosis?
Calcium and Vit D3 and Bisphosphonates are first line.
Also: RANK-L inhibitors.
HRT no longer used due to increased breast and endometrial cancer risk.
When does peak bone mass occur?
20-30 years of age
What is the main protecting factor for osteoporosis?
Bone mass
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Joint pain, stiffness, functional impairment
Overall loss of quality of life
What causes osteoarthritis?
90% of cases are primary idiopathic. There are changes in proteoglycan and collagen leading to altered load bearing properties.
10% secondary: as a consequence of pre-existing joint disease.
e.g. deformity, RA, metabolic disorder, crystal deposition disease.
What is the pathology of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Systemic autoimmune disease that manifests as synovial arthropathy (starts as sinovitis and changes spread to articular cartilage, subchondral bone and peri-articular tissue).
How do we treat RA?
Analgesics, NSAIDS and DMARDs first line.
If DMARDs don’t work use anti-TNF-alpha.
If that doesn’t work use immunotherapy (e.g. Rituximab).
Steroids are sometimes used short term for life-threatening complications or to suppress disease when DMARDs are being introduced.
Name 3 DMARDs
Methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine
How do we treat osteoarthritis?
Analgesia, exercise and bone protection (calcichew and bisphosphonates)
How do we treat gout?
NSAIDS, followed by colchicine, followed by steroids
What is sequestrum in osteomyeltitis
dead bone
What is involucrum in osteomyelitis
Layer of new bone growth surrounding the dead bone
Where is calcitonin produced?
The parafollicular (C cells) cells of the thyroid
What are the functions of PTH?
Regulates activation of vitamin D in the kidney (which then stimulates ca and P absorption in the gut and ca release from bone).
Increases resorption of Ca and decreases resorption of P in the kidney.
Releases Ca from bone.
What is rheumatoid factor?
An anti-IgG antibody
This is present in >80% of patients with RA, usually the IgM subtype.
Higher levels associated with worse prognosis
What method is used to detect rheumatoid factor?
Latex bead agglutination
Which autoantibodies would you expect to find in sjogren’s disease?
Anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-La (SS-B) -these are ENA antibodies.
What is impetigo?
A pyogenic infection of the epidermis, usually caused by staph aureus
What is furunculosis?
Infection of sebaceous glands or sweat glands, usually causes by staph aureus.
What is cellulitis?
Infection of loose subcutaneous tissue- usually resulting from penetrating injury or local lesion. Usually strep pyogenes or staph aureus.
Which organism usually causes gas gangrene?
C. Perfringens
How long should antibiotics be given for in osteomyelitis? (Hint: consider acute, chronic and childhood infections)
Acute- 6 weeks
Chronic- 12 weeks (6 IV, 6 oral)
Acute in children- 2-4 weeks
Where is pain from the glenohumeral joint felt?
Over the upper arm
Where is pain from the acromioclavicuar joint felt?
In the joint
Where is rotator cuff pain felt?
Over the upper arm