Common MSK problems _ upper limb Flashcards
Examination findings in subacromial pain/impingement syndrome
- Painful arc of abduction between 60 and 120 degrees
- Tenderness over the anterior acromion
Pathology in Impingement syndrome/painful arc
Entrapment of supraspinatus tendon and subacromial
bursa between acromion and grater tuberosity of
humerus.
• → subacromial bursitis and/or supraspinatous tendonitis
Presentation of impingement syndrome (shoulders)
- Painful arc: 60-120O
- Weakness and ↓ ROM
- +ve Hawkin’s test
Ix for shoulder impingement syndrome
- Plain radiographs: may see bony spurs
- US
- MRI arthrogram
Management of shoulder impingement syndrome
Conservative
- Rest
- Physiotherapy
Medical
- NSAIDs
- Subacromial bursa steroid ± LA injection
Surgical
- Arthroscopic acromioplasty
Causes of anterior and posterior shoulder dislocations
Anterior
- 95% of shoulder dislocations
- Direct trauma or falling on hand
- Humeral head dislocates antero-inferiorly
Posterior
- Caused by direct trauma or muscle contraction (seen in epileptics and electric shocks).
Demographics in adhesive capsulitis
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a common cause of shoulder pain
- most common in middle-aged females
- aetiology of frozen shoulder is not fully understood
- diabetes mellitus: up to 20% of diabetics may have an episode of frozen shoulder
Features of adhesive capsulitis/frozen shoulder
Features typically develop over days
- external rotation is affected more than internal rotation or abduction
- both active and passive movement are affected
- bilateral in up to 20% of patients
How long does adhesive capsulitis last?
the episode typically lasts between 6 months and 2 years
Examination findings/presentation of adhesive capsulitis
- Progressive ↓ active and passive ROM
- ↓ ext. rotation <30o
- ↓ abduction <90o
- Shoulder pain, esp. @ night (can’t lie on affected side)
Management of adhesive capsulitis
Conservative
- rest
- physio
Medical
- NSAIDs
- Subacromial bursa steroid ± LA injection
Spectrum of rotator cuff injury (4)
Rotator cuff injuries are the most common cause of shoulder problems.
A spectrum of disease is recognised:
- Subacromial impingement (also known as impingement syndrome, painful arc syndrome)
- Calcific tendonitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Rotator cuff arthropathy
A symptom of rotator cuff injury
Symptom
- shoulder pain worse on abduction
Signs on examination of (2) rotator cuff injuries
Painful arc of abduction:
- subacromial impingement → between 60 and 120 degrees
- rotator cuff tears → the pain may be in the first 60 degrees
- tenderness over anterior acromion
Signs of the complete tear (complete rotator cuff injury)
Complete tear
- Shoulder tip pain
- Full range of passive movement
- Inability to abduct the arm
- Active abduction possible following passive abduction to 90O
- lowering the arm beneath this → sudden drop
- “drop arm” sign
(2) types of rotator cuff tears
- Partial tears → painful arc
- Complete tear
Management of rotator cuff injuries
open or arthroscopic repair
Cause and demographics of lateral epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis
Cause: typically follows unaccustomed activity such as house painting or playing tennis (‘tennis elbow’).
- most common in people aged 45-55 years
- typically affects the dominant arm
Features of lateral epicondylitis
- pain and tenderness localised to the lateral epicondyle
- pain worse on wrist extension against resistance with the elbow extended or supination of the forearm with the elbow extended
How long does lateral epicondylitis last?
- Episodes typically last between 6 months and 2 years
- Patients tend to have acute pain for 6-12 weeks