Hand & Wrist Flashcards
Carpal tunnel syndrome presentation
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist. It is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment.
Diagnosing Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tinels, Phalens, Reverse Phalens, +/- thenar wasting and electrodiagnositic studies
Tx of Carpal tunnel syndrome
Activity modification, splints, NSAIDS, B12, cortisone injections.
Surgical: open vs endoscopic carpal tunnel release (open- cut the extensor retinaculum.
Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrom
Pregnant, DM, hypothyoid, RA, repetitive use
DeQuervain tendonitis
Inflammation of the 1st dorsal compartment. Abductor Policis Longus and Extensor Policis Brevis.
Cause of DeQuervains tendonitis
from repetitive use, insidious onset
Presentation of DeQuervains tendonitis
Pain with thumb extension, abduction or flexion, thumb with ulnar deviation.
Diagnosis of DeQuervains tendonitis
Redness, swelling, crepitus, RSN injections
Tx of DeQuervains tendonitis
Non-surgical: Ice, thumb sicca splint, rest, injection
Surgical: surgical release of 1st dorsal compartment
Finkelstein test
Fist and go down
Trigger finger presentation
irritated tendon- swelling, can form nodule causing finger to catch or lock in flexion or extension.
Cause of Trigger Finger
Excessive Use
Tx of Trigger finger
Non-surgical: Resting, splinting, NSAIDS, injections;
Surgical: Release of Pulley (A1 pulley most common site)
Ganglion cyst presentation
Most common soft tissue tumors of the hand (benign). Cysts are filled with mucin.
Cause of ganglion cysts
obscure
Tx of Ganglion cyst
Reassurance, Aspiration (high recurrence, not recommended for volvar), surgical excision
Locations of Ganglion Cysts
Dorsal (most common)- from SLJ, volvar, radial, retinacular (flexor tendon), mucous cysts (DIPJ)
Occult Ganglion- not visible- SLJ, usually more symptomatic.
Gamekeeper’s thumb labs/tests
Get an X-ray, may see Steners Lesion.
Infectious flexor tenosynovitis presentation
Infection of flexor tendon sheath usually from a puncture. Usually caused by S. aureus.
Infectious flexor tenosynovitis labs/tests
Kanavel Signs
Tx of Infectious flexor tenosynovitis
Requires I&D
Kanavel signs
4 signs of flexor tenosynovitis:
- tenderness along the whole tendon sheath (late sign).
- finger held in flexion.
- fusiform swelling (sausage digit).
- pain with passive extension (earliest finding).
Smith Fractures
Fracture of the distal radius from a PALMAR flexion injury. (Inward).
Colles Fracture
Fracture of the distal radius with DORSAL displacement from a FOOSH.
Boxers Fracture
Fracture of the 5th MC neck as a result of axial load, usually from punching wall, head or mouth. Check for lacerations/cuts on hand for a foreign object (may require removal and I&D)
Risk factors for osteomyelitis
Infection of bone by bacteria or fungus, resulting in bony changes and destruction. Develops by spread of infection from contiguous structures or hematogenous spread.