Elbow, Hand, Wrist Flashcards
What is edema?
Excess fluid buildup in the interstitial tissues that causes swelling
What agents are released as a result of inflammation?
release of chemotactic agents
acute factors: histamine, prostaglandins, bradykinin, substance p, complement and platelet factors
Does chemotaxis cause vasoconstriction or vasodilation?
Vasodilation
Increases interstitial fluid, macrophages, activates fibroblasts, blocks venous and lymphatic drainage
What are the physiological and clinical characteristic present during the first stage of healing? Ideally, how long should this first stage last?
Physiology: release of tissue factors, blood clot in tissues/fracture, WBC migration, hyper vascularity
Clinical: ecchymosis, EDEMA, pain, loss of motion
Time: 0 to 3 weeks post injury (ideally)
What are 3 early therapy techniques and modalities used to treat inflammation and edema?
- RICE for edema management
- Pain control
- Controlled AROM of fingers to prevent stiffness, adhesions and jt. contracture
Chronic inflammation is characterized by what 2 characteristics?
- Exuberant fibrous tissue/scar
2. Loss of tissue elasticity
What is the ultimate goal for treatment of the hand?
Rapid recovery of a functional hand:
Comfortable sensation
Stable motion, pinch, grasp and strength.
What are the 5 essential sensory functions of the hand?
Exploration
Fine touch
Protective sensation Temperature
Stereognosis
What are the 3 essential motor functions of the hand?
Fine grasp
Gross grasp
Power grip
What part of the body has the most extensive motor and sensory cortical representation of any body region?
HAND
What is the therapy paradox?
Healing requires immobilization, rehabilitation requires motion
What is the treatment protocol for flexor tendon repair during the fibroplastic stage?
Scar orientation phase;
- No splint but avoid forceful grip
- Progress resistive exercises cautiously to regain muscle tone,
- Light activity to regain function; 3rd to 6th week
What areas of the hand are supplied by the median, ulnar, and radial nerves?
- Median nerve: radial side of index finger
- Ulnar nerve: ulnar side of small finger
- Radial nerve: dorsum of the first web space
What is Tinel’s sign? What does it test for?
Carpal Tunnel
Percussion (tapping) over irritated area of peripheral nerve elicits electrical sensation distally
What is Phalen’s sign? What does it test for?
Carpal tunnel
Wrist flexion increases compression of median nerve at the wrist, reproducing symptoms of finger tingling
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Acute or chronic compression of the median nerve at the wrist
What is the TRIAD of symptoms associated with carpal tunnel?
- Numbness of fingers
- Tingling sensation in fingertips
- Night pain
What are the 5 risk factors for carpal tunnel?
- Wrist fracture
- Overuse
- Awkward wrist position
- Vibratory tools
- Cold exposure
What are the 6 treatment options for carpal tunnel?
- Patient Education
- Activity Modification (avoid flexed position)
- Brace/custom splint
- Ultrasound
- Tendon gliding exercises
- Injections of steroids
What are the 3 indications for carpal tunnel surgery?
- Sensory/Motor deficits
- Persistent Pain
- Symptoms despite supportive care
What are 2 rare, but plausible complications of carpal tunnel release surgery?
- Scar hypersensitivity
2. Hypertrophy (10% cases)