High Yield 2 Flashcards
Hx qs + sx of sciatica
Pain radiates from lower back into leg + foot
Can have weakness or sensory impairment
Radicular pain in L4-S3
Burning pain, numbness, tingling
Aggravated by flexion, Valsalva, prolonged standing
R/O RF: fever, weight loss, trauma, IVDU, bladder/ bowel dysfunction, saddle anesthesia
RF sciatica
Repetitive lifting, flexion or rotation (labourers, dancers, golfers)
Physical exam sciatica
Lumbar + Hip exam
Fasciculations can be present
ROM restricted in flexion + rotation
Sensation can be reduced
L4 - anteromedial leg, medial malleolus
L5 - lateral lower leg, 1st web space
S1 - back of lower leg, lateral aspect heel
Reduced strength
L4 - ankle dorsiflexion
L5 - big toe extension
S1 - ankle plantarflexion
Reduced reflexes
L4 - patella
S1 - achilles
Positive SLR
Positive slump test
DDx sciatica
Ankylosing spondylitis
Cauda equina
Facet arthropathy
Compression #
Disc herniation
OA of hip or spine
Sacroilitis
Spinal stenosis
Vascular claudication
Rx sciatica
6 wks conservative management - NSAIDs, PT, acupuncture
Can use epidural steroid injection for short term pain relief
Surgery if no improvement after 6 wks + severe pain, neuro deficits or severe dz (lumbar decompression)
Core stability + strengthening
Aerobic activity
Restoring motor function
Yoga
Weight loss
Most improve in 6 wks
Sinister causses of back pain + associated red flags
fracture (trauma, steroid use, menopause), infection (fever, IVDU, immunosuppression), cancer (wt loss, prev cancer), cauda equina (bladder/ bowel, saddle anesthesia, motor weakness)
RF for lumbar strain
Age
Activity
Occupation
Obesity
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Psychosocial factors
Poor posture
DDx LBP
Herniated disc
OA
Posterior facet syndrome
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal stenosis
OP
AS
Referred pain
Tumor
Fracture
Rx lumbar strain
Paracetamol/ NSAIDs x2 wks
Tramadol if more severe
RMT, PT, acupuncture
Consider behavioral therapy
Stretching + strengthening
Yoga
Aqua therapy
Most resolve within 1-3mo
Prevention of LBP
Exercise
Posture training
Body mechanics training
Weight loss
Patterns of mechanical LBP
Back dominant pattern 1 = intermittent or constant, aggravated w/ flexion, extension can aggravate or relieve, normal neuro exam, discogenic, most common
Back dominant pattern 2 = intermittent, aggravated by extension, relieved by flexion, normal neuro exam, e.g. pars defect in gymnast
Leg dominant pattern 3 = constant, aggravated by flexion, positive SLR, sciatica
Leg dominant pattern 4 = intermittent, aggravated w/ walking + relieved w/ sitting, may have reduced root conduction, e.g. spinal stenosis
Cauda equina signs + sx
Severe LBP
Pain, numbness, weakness in legs
Saddle anesthesia
New onset bowel or bladder dysfunction
New onset sexual dysfunction
Absent reflexes
Gait disturbance
Causes of cauda equina
Ruptured lumbar disc
Spinal stenosis
Spine lesion/ tumor
Infection
Hemorrhage
#
Complication from MVA, fall
Birth defect
Common causes of cervical radiculopathy
Cervical disc dz (spondylosis), disc herniation, foraminal stenosis from facet joint hypertrophy, spinal stenosis, whiplash, RA, infection, tumor, cysts
Hx qs + sx cervical disc dz
Unilateral neck, shoulder or arm pain
Paresthesias, numbness, weakness, diminished reflexes
R/O red flags - gait disturbance, bladder/ bowel dysfunction, hand clumsiness, hyperreflexia, clonus, fever, wt loss, bilateral sx, night pain, IVDU
Physical exam findings cervical disc dz
C spine exam
Positive Spurling
Sx may improve w/ abduction of upper limb as this decreases stretch on nerve root
What is the classic pattern of myelopathy at C5-6?
Hyperreflexia at triceps reflex (C7) and diminished bicep + supinator reflexes (C5 + 6)
DDx cervical disc dz
Peripheral nerve entrapment
Myelopathy
Brachial plexus lesion, inflammation or injury
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Spinal tumor
Infection
Complex regional pain
Pancoast tumor
Management cervical disc dz
PT, NSAIDs, avoidance of provocative activities, cervical traction, heat/ cold
Neck + shoulder muscle strengthening
ROM exercises
Resisted exercises as tolerated
Aerobic activity
Postural education
Ergonomic adjustments
When to refer to surgeon in cervical disc dz
Progressive or severe neuro deficit, myelopathy, muscle atrophy
Anterior cervical discectomy + fusion
Sx + hx questions disc herniation
Acute onset back pain, can present with multiple episodes
Can be triggered by heavy lifting or twisting motion w/ heavy object
Nerve compression worse when sitting or sleeping on stomach
Pain precipitated by sneezing or straining
R/O cauda equina
Physical exam disc herniation
Spinal exam
SLR positive
Decreased sensation, reflexes + weakness
Severe muscle spasm can cause abnormal posture (lateral bend to contralateral side)
Sx + physical exam findings of disc herniation at L3 + 4
Pain - Lower back, hip, posterolateral thigh, ant leg
Sensation - Anteromedial thigh, knee & calf
Motor weakness - Quads (knee extension), Thigh adductors, Tibialis Anterior (DF)
Atrophy - Quadriceps
Reflexes - Patellar tendon reflex ↓
Sx + physical exam findings of disc herniation at L4 + 5
Pain - Above SI joint, hip, lat thigh & leg
Sensation - Lat leg, 1st 3 toes
Motor weakness - DF of great toe (EHL) & ankle, difficulty walking on heels, foot drop may occur
Atrophy - Minor or nonspecific
Reflexes - Post tibial reflex or hamstring reflex ↓
Sx + physical exam findings of disc herniation at L5 + S1
Pain - Above SI joint, buttocks, hip, posterolateral thigh, leg, calf, bottom of foot
Sensation - Back of calf, lat heel, foot & baby toe, plantar surface of foot
Motor weakness - PF of foot (Gastrocs/soleus), PF of great toe (abductor hallicus), difficulty walking on toes
Atrophy - Gastrocs & Soleus
Reflexes - Achilles tendon reflex ↓
What are the myotomes of L1-S3?
L1 + L2 - hip flexion
L3 + L4 - knee extension
L5-S2 - knee flexion
S1 + S2 - plantar flexion
S2 + S3 - abduction toes
DDx of disc herniation
Cauda equina
Hip OA
Knee OA
Meralgia paresthetica
Piriformis syndrome
Sacroilitis
Spinal stenosis
Management + RTP of disc herniation
Regular FU 1-2 wks
RMT, acupuncture
Heat or ice after first 2-3 days
Bed rest x2 days max
NSAIDs, muscle relaxants
Lumbar support
Epidural steroid shot for short term relief
Surgery if no improvement in 12 wks or cord compression (discectomy)
RTP when pain free, normal ROM, without neurogenic pain, good core + extremity strength
What are the stages disc herniation?
Protrusion
Extrusion
Sequestration
Most common site of herniation + nerve root affected
L5-S1 affecting S1 nerve root w/ paracentral herniation + L5 root w/ foraminal herniation
Definition of scoliosis
Lateral curvature of spine >10 degrees by Cobb angle
Hx qs in scoliosis
Rate of worsening
Pain usually if curve >40
Difficulty breathing
Growth stage - puberty
Hx of lower limb #, joint infection, arthritis - could cause leg length discrepancy
FHx scoliosis
Physical exam in scoliosis
Tanner stage
Hypermobility + hyperelasticity
Shoulder asymmetry
Unequal scapular prominence
Elevated hip
Leg length discrepancy
Crankshaft phenomenon: progressive deformity resulting from continued growth of anterior aspect of spine after posterior arthrodesis
Plumb line testing - drop a line from C7 to demonstrate pelvic deviation
XRs for scoliosis
XR - standing full length PA + lateral films
Cobb angle
Management of scoliosis
Monitor q6mo until skeletal maturity
Bracing for skeletally immature w/ curves 30-50 degrees or if rapid progression
Rigo Cheneau de-rotational brace
Worn 23 hrs/ day until end of growth
PT
Surgery for curves >50
Posterior spinal fusion
If skeletally mature and Cobb angle <40, reassure + discharge
What does risk of curve progression in scoliosis depend on?
Pt’s maturity + size of curve
Complications of scoliosis
Reduced pulmonary function for pts with thoracic curves >60 degrees
MOI in cervical strain (whiplash)
Usually hyperextension of cervical spine causing stretch type injury
Sx of cervical strain
Pain - may have minimal pain immediately but develop over hours to days later
Muscle spasm/ tightness
Mechanism of injury anterior shoulder dislocation
Anterior - usually from provocative position of abduction + external rotation
Fall on outstretched arm
Tackling
Hx qs + sx for shoulder dislocation
Symptoms (r/o neck pain), shoulder pain, decrease ROM, numbness or tingling in fingers
Previous dislocations, fractures
“Dead arm” usually occurs w/ subluxation
Exam for ?shoulder dislocation
C spine exam
Shoulder exam
Neurovascular exam upper limb before + after reduction
Deltoid strength
Lateral shoulder sensation
Apprehension test
Relocation test - during apprehension test, posteriorly directed force applied to humerus w/ scapula stabilized - if sx resolve - positive test
Load + shift test - pt is seated, examiner stabilizes scapula and with other hand attempts to sublux humeral head anteriorly + posteriorly
If ?multidirectional instability, assess ligamentous laxity
RF for shoulder dislocation
Previous dislocation
Repetitive overhead sports or contact sports
Ligament laxity
XR views for shoulder dislocation
XR - AP, axillary lateral, scapular Y, orthogonal views (to r/o bony injuries)
West Point view (good for identifying bony Bankart/ anteroinferior glenoid rim #)
Stryker notch view (good for identifying Hill-Sachs lesion/ posterolateral humeral head compression #)
Post reduction views needed
head of humerus is medially displaced on AP (in anterior shoulder dislocation)
DDx shoulder dislocation
AC instability
SLAP lesion
# humeral head, coracoid, acromion
Biceps tendon subluxation
Subscapularis tear
Initial exam of acute shoulder dislocation - sideline
Locate greater tuberosity - likely anterior
Assess axillary nerve function (sensation around deltoid, fingers, wrist extension + flexion)
Assess peripheral pulses
Palpate SC joint, clavicle, AC joint, humerus, elbow
CI to closed reduction of shoulder dislocation
Humeral head + neck #
Significantly displaced
Severe scapula #
Methods to reduce dislocated shoulder
Analgesia, benzos to relax
Can use intra-articular lidocaine
Traction
Stimson - pt lying prone, weight applied to arm hanging down
Counter traction - pt lying supine, traction at 45 degrees of abduction w/ countertraction applied with sheet under axilla
Leverage
Kocher - pt supine, flex elbow to 90 degrees, adduction, externally rotate arm, forward flexion of shoulder
Other methods
Milch - stabilize humeral head, fully abduct arm, apply traction, push humeral head over glenoid rim
Self reduction - pt locks hands in front of ipsilateral knee, relax backwards, allowing gentle traction
Management Post shoulder reduction
neural assessment (axillary patch, deltoid function)
Re-examine AC, elbow, wrist
Immobilize w/ sling x1 wk
ROM exercises
Physiotherapy and AROM to begin at 3 weeks, no abduction/ER together for 6 wks
Rotator cuff strengthening - begin in plane of scapula
Scapular stabilization exercises include rowing, modified push ups w/ maximal protraction
When to refer for surgery in shoulder dislocations
If rotator cuff tear >50%, Hill-Sachs lesion >25%, glenoid defect >20%, failure of conservative therapy
Consider surgery if 1st time dislocation in young athletes or labourers, >2 dislocations in 1 season, participation in overhead sports, bony Bankart lesion
RTP shoulder dislocation
after full ROM and strength returned
Motion control braces can limit abduction + external rotation + decrease risk of future events
What is a Hills Sach lesion, how often does it occur, sx associated, athletes most at risk
cortical depression in posterolateral head of humerus
Results from forceful impaction of humeral head against anterior glenoid rim w/ anterior shoulder dislocation
Results in divot
40-90% of anterior shoulder dislocation
Can contribute to ongoing instability - associated w/ painful click, popping, catching
Young, throwing athletes
What is a Bankart + bony bankart lesion?
Injury to anterior glenoid labrum d/t anterior shoulder dislocation
Resulting pocket allows recurrent subluxation
Often accompanies Hill-Sachs lesion
“Bony bankart” includes #W
What other conditions are associated with shoulder dislocation?
Axillary nerve injury
Humeral head + neck #
Rotator cuff tears (often subscapularis)
Recurrence rate for shoulder dislocations in athletes <25
> 85%
MOI for posterior shoulder dislocation
trauma (axial load applied to upper extremity in forward flexion, adduction + internal rotation) or from sz or electrocution
RF + at risk sports for posterior shoulder dislocation
EDS, Charcot shoulder, at risk sports (football, swimming, golf, racquet sports)
Imaging for posterior shoulder dislocation
axillary view, Bedside US is v useful for diagnosis - CT or MRI if XRs neg but high suspicion
Management of posterior shoulder dislocation
early reduction
pt supine, apply longitudinal traction while elbow is flexed at 90 degrees, can use countertraction w/ sheet round chest
Apply gentle internal rotation + lateral traction
May need open reduction, especially if >3 wks or w/ associated #
Refer to ortho for long term management
Physical exam findings of posterior shoulder dislocation
arm held in internal rotation + adduction, external rotation is blocked, prominence of posterior aspect of shoulder, visible or palpable humeral head posteriorly
What is a burner/ stinger + what is the MOI
Brachial Plexus Injury
Traction to plexus when shoulder is depressed + head is forced away from injured side
Compression of cervical roots when head is forced towards side of injury
Direct blow to brachial plexus at supraclavicular fossa
RF for Brachial Plexus Injury
Previous burner
Limited ROM of neck or shoulder
Cervical canal + foraminal stenosis
Contact sports
Hx qs + sx Brachial Plexus Injury
Acute trauma to neck + shoulder causing burning or stinging in upper shoulder, radiating down
Relation to shoulder + neck mvmt
Usually lasts mins but can persist weeks
r/o concussion, neck injury, unstable shoulder
Physical exam Brachial Plexus Injury
Often holds arms close to body or shakes arm
Shoulder exam
Weakness most commonly occurs in deltoid, biceps, rotator cuff
Spurling may be positive
Tinel sign at supraclavicular fossa
When + what to order for ix in Brachial Plexus Injury
Not usually needed
C spine XRs if recurrent injury, weakness ongoing few days, neck pain, bilateral arm sx
EMG if sx lasting >3 wks
DDx Brachial Plexus Injury
C spine injury (bilateral sx, vertebral tenderness, lower extremity findings)
Shoulder dislocation
AC separation
Clavicle #
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Management + RTP for Brachial Plexus Injury
Can RTP once sx resolve
Neck exercises
Stretch tight muscles
Strengthen neck + shoulder
Prevention in future of Brachial Plexus Injury
Neck roll, shoulder pad lifter or rigid collar in football
Chest out posture
Ensure correct playing technique
RF for Rotator cuff tendinitis/ Impingement/ Subacromial Bursitis
Repetitive overhead activities (throwing, swimming, racquet sports, wt lifting)
Shoulder instability
Prev shoulder surgery
Smoking
Diabetes
<25y/o, impingement usually d/t laxity caused by instability
>25y/o, impingement usually d/t rotator cuff overuse
Sx + hx qs for Rotator cuff tendinitis/ Impingement/ Subacromial Bursitis
Insidious onset
Pain w/ overhead activities
Weakness, numbness
Worse in evening + night
No trauma
R/o C spine disease
Physical for Rotator cuff tendinitis/ Impingement/ Subacromial Bursitis
Shoulder exam
Painful arc 70-120 degrees
Reduced internal rotation d/t posterior capsular tightness
Neuro exam
suprascapular nerve (supraspinatus & infraspinatus), long thoracic nerve (serratus anterior), thoracodorsal nerve (latissimus dorsi), subscapular nerve (teres major & subscapular), axillary nerve/C5 (deltoid & sensation to lateral surface of the shoulder)
DDx for Rotator cuff tendinitis/ Impingement/ Subacromial Bursitis
Rotator cuff tear
Biceps tendinopathy
GH instability
Labral tear
Referred pain from neck
AC joint sprain/ OA
GH OA
Pancoast tumor
Suprascapular nerve palsy
Brachial plexus injury
Axillary nerve entrapment
Adhesive capsulitis
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Management of Rotator cuff tendinitis/ Impingement/ Subacromial Bursitis
NSAIDs
Ice
Subacromial bursa steroid inj
Relative rest
PT
Shock wave therapy if calcific
Correction of training errors in racquet/throwing sports ( Poor kinetic chain movement, improper body positioning, improper hip movement)
Consider surgical referral for anterior acromioplasty if conservative rx fails
PRP, prolotherapy, acupuncture
Stretch posterior capsule
Address muscle imbalance & instability
Posture
ROM: Dangling arm circles, finger wall-walking, broom handle exercises
Sword from sheath, posterior dumbbell raises, scapular stabilization
RF for acute rotator cuff tear
Age, smoking, fam hx
Repetitive overhead use
Fall risk sports like skiing, surfing, horse riding
MOI for acute rotator cuff tear
Many involve acute-on-chronic injuries
For acute complete tears - fall, direct blow, forceful punch
Traumatic hyperextension, internal or external rotation of abducted arm o
Or, in those >40 years old, look for a complete rotator cuff tear with shoulder dislocation
Can develop insidiously
Sx of acute rotator cuff tear
Pain and weakness
Night pain
Pain sleeping on affected side
May radiate to elbow
Aggravated w/ reaching motion
Physical for acute rotator cuff tear
Reduced ROM
Pain w/ arm abduction from 80-120 degrees
Atrophy of muscles if chronic
Positive drop arm test
Positive lag sign (inability to maintain position of full external rotation)
Positive gerber’s (subscapularis)
Positive empty can test (supraspinatus)
Positive resisted external rotation (infraspinatus + teres minor)
Weakness and pain with rotator cuff strength testing
DDx for acute rotator cuff tear
Rotator cuff strain
Labrum tear
Unstable shoulder
Subacromial impingement
AC disorder
GH OA
Adhesive capsulitis
Ix for acute rotator cuff tear
XR - can show calcification, superior or anterior migration of humeral head (full thickness tear)
MRI or US
Diagnostic injection into subacromial bursa w/ 10ml 1% lidocaine - if no pain relief or improvement in strength
Management for acute rotator cuff tear
NSAIDs
Sling - limited to 2-3 wks
Subacromial steroid injection
ROM + strengthening
Prolotherapy, PRP