GOLD Musculoskeletal Conditions Flashcards
Where does a rupture of the Achilles tendon typically occur?
1-2 inches above its tendinous insertion on the calcaneus
List 3 of the most common MOIs for Achilles tendon rupture.
Pushing off of a weightbearing extremity with an extended knee
Unexpected dorsiflexion while weightbearing
Forceful eccentric contraction of the plantarflexors
When is the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures the greatest? Why?
In adults 30-50 years old without history of heel or calf pain
Why?: Decreased blood flow to the area of the tendon, secondary to aging, increases susceptibility to rupture
List 5 characteristics of the clinical presentation of an Achilles tendon rupture.
- Pop or snap associated with severe pain at time of injury
- Swelling over the distal tendon
- Palpable defect in the tendon above the calcaneal tuberosity
- Pain and weakness with plantarflexion
- Positive Thompson test
Describe the most effective management of a patient with an Achilles tendon rupture.
Immobilization through casting or surgical approach for repair or reconstruction
Non-surgical treatment includes serial casting for ~10 weeks with heel lift to take stress of the tendon
PT is initiated following removal of the cast
What is Achilles tendinopathy?
Acute or chronic condition due to repetitive microtrauma that builds scar tissue in the area over time
What is adhesive capsulitis?
Characterized by restriction of shoulder ROM due to inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule
What is the difference between primary and secondary adhesive capsulitis?
Primary = occurs spontaneously Secondary = occurs secondary to an underlying condition (i.e. disuse following repetitive trauma)
Adhesive capsulitis is commonly associated with _____ and ______.
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
List 3 characteristics of the acute phase of adhesive capsulitis.
Pain that radiates below the elbow
Pain that awakens the patient at night
PROM limited due to pain and guarding
List 3 characteristics of the chronic phase of adhesive capsulitis.
Pain localized around the lateral brachial region
Pain does not awaken patient at night
PROM is limited due to capsular stiffness
What motions are typically most limited in patients with adhesive capsulitis?
Shoulder abduction and ER
What imaging study can be used to detect the presence of adhesive capsulitis?
Arthrogram can detect decreased volume of fluid within the joint capsule
What medications are typically prescribed to treat the symptoms associated with adhesive capsulitis?
Acetaminophen for pain
NSAIDs for pain/inflammation
What differentiates adhesive capsulitis from bursitis?
Pain and throbbing over the lateral brachial region
Lasts a few days and usually resolves itself within a few weeks
What is the most common MOI for ankle sprains?
Inversion and plantarflexion
What ligaments make up with lateral complex of the ankle?
Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)
Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)
What ligaments make up the medial complex of the ankle?
Deltoid ligament
What ligament is most likely to sustain damage during a lateral ankle sprain?
ATFL
What injury typically occurs prior to sprain or injury to the deltoid ligament? Why?
Fracture of the medial malleolus
Part of the deltoid ligament attaches to the medial malleolus, so there must be significant valgus stress at the ankle (which usually fractures the medial malleolus), to injure the deltoid ligament
List 4 characteristics of a lateral ankle sprain.
Pain or tenderness along the lateral aspect of the ankle
Antalgic gait
Limitations in ankle ROM (inversion and PF)
Ecchymosis and possible edema
What special tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis of an ankle sprain?
Anterior drawer test
Talar tilt test
List 4 of the most common motions that lead to an ACL injury.
Hyperflexion
Rapid deceleration
Hyperextension
Landing in an unbalanced position
Describe the 3 degrees of an ACL injury.
First degree = little to no instability
Second degree = minimal to moderate instability
Third degree = extreme instability
What is the unhappy triad? What is the most common MOI for this injury?
Injury to the ACL, MCL and medial meniscus
MOI = Combination of valgum, flexion and ER forces applied to the knee when the foot is planted
2/3 of the time there is also injury to the ____ when the ACL is torn.
Meniscus
What site is most commonly used for an ACL graft?
Patellar tendon
What is the most common MOI for a PCL tear?
Dashboard injury or forced knee hyperflexion as the foot is plantar flexed.