JH IM Board Review - Office Orthopedics I Flashcards
Shoulder pain:
One of the MC musculoskeletal complaints.
Shoulder pain - In patients <40yr, symptoms are often caused by …?
Acute injuries (eg sports-related) injuries.
Shoulder pain - In older patients, symptoms are more likely caused by …?
CHRONIC, degenerative changes of the rotator cuff.
4 common disorders of the shoulder:
- Rotator cuff tendinitis.
- Rotator cuff tear.
- Adhesive capsulitis.
- Bicipital tendinitis.
Rotator cuff tendinitis - Cause:
- Overuse.
2. Inflammatory diseases such as RA.
Rotator cuff tendinitis - CP:
ANTEROLATERAL shoulder pain.
Rotator cuff tendinitis - Dx and evaluation:
- Pain with abduction < Pain with adduction.
- Pain with INTERNAL + EXTERNAL rotation.
- Pain with LATERAL PALPATION
+ Positive “IMPINGEMENT TEST”.
Impingement test?
Positive if relief of pain after injection of the subacromial bursa.
Rotator cuff tendinitis - Tx:
- Rest.
- NSAIDs.
- Physical therapy.
- Steroid injection.
Rotator cuff tear - Cause:
- Trauma.
- RECURRENT ROTATOR CUFF TENDINITIS.
- RA.
Rotator cuff tear - CP:
ANTEROLATERAL shoulder pain.
Rotator cuff tear - Dx and evaluation:
- Same as rotator cuff tendinitis.
- Positive “drop test” with full-thickness tear.
==> Drop test: Unable to maintain active shoulder abduction.
Rotator cuff tear - Tx:
Orthopedic evaluation for repair.
Adhesive capsulitis - Cause:
Prolonged shoulder immobilization.
Adhesive capsulitis - CP:
- Shoulder pain.
2. Loss of motion.
Adhesive capsulitis - Dx and evaluation:
PAINFUL + LIMITED, ACTIVE + PASSIVE motion.
Adhesive capsulitis - Tx:
- Physical therapy.
- Steroid injection.
- Possible orthopedics referral.
Bicipital tendinitis - Cause:
Overuse.
Bicipital tendinitis - CP:
Anterior shoulder pain.
Bicipital tendinitis - Dx and evaluation:
- Tenderness over bicipital groove.
- Positive “speed test”.
- Positive “Yergason sign”.
Speed test?
Pain with RESISTED SHOULDER FLEXION.
Yergason sign?
Pain with RESISTED FOREARM SUPINATION.
Bicipital tendinitis - Tx:
- Rest.
- NSAIDs.
- Physical therapy.
- Steroid injection.
Rotator cuff maneuvers and tendinopathies - Empty can test - Description:
- Patient abducts shoulder to 90 degrees with thumbs pointing downward.
- Patient then tries to elevate arms against resistance.
Empty can test - Rotator cuff tendon tested?
SUPRASPINATUS ==> Abduction.
External rotation resistance test - Descrition:
- Patient flexes both elbows to 90 degrees with both arms at sides.
- Patient then tries to externally rotate arms against resistance.
External rotation resistance test - Rotator cuff tendon?
- Infraspinatus.
- Teres minor.
==> EXTERNAL ROTATION.
Lift-off test - Description:
- Patient places the dorsum of his/her hand on the low back.
- Patient lifts the hand off the back against resistance by internally rotating the humerus.
Lift-off test - Rotator cuff tendon tested?
SUBSCAPULARIS ==> Internal rotation.
Supination resistance test - Description:
- Patient bends elbow to 90 degrees with arm against their body.
- Examiner holds the patient’s hand and provides resistance while the patient tries to rotate the arm such that the hand is palm up.
Supination resistance test - Tendon tested?
Biceps (NOT a rotator cuff tendon) ==> Supination.
Elbow - Lateral epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”) - Cause:
Repetitive WRIST EXTENSION + FOREARM SUPINATION.
Elbow - Lateral epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”) - CP:
LATERAL elbow pain.
Elbow - Lateral epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”) - Dx and evaluation:
- Tenderness over LATERAL epicondyle.
2. Pain elicited by resisted WRIST EXTENSION and FOREARM SUPINATION.
Elbow - Lateral epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”) - Tx:
- Rest.
- NSAIDs.
- Bracing.
- Physical therapy.
Elbow - Lateral epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”) - Corticosteroid injections:
HELPFUL IN SHORT-TERM RELIEF.
==> High rate of recurrence. NOT BETTER THAN PLACEBO over long term.
Medial epicondylitis (“golfer’s elbow”) - Cause:
Repetitive WRIST FLEXION + FOREARM PRONATION.
Medial epicondylitis (“golfer’s elbow”) - CP:
Medial elbow pain.
Medial epicondylitis (“golfer’s elbow”) - Dx and evaluation:
- Tenderness over medial epicondyle.
2. Pain elicited by resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation.
Medial epicondylitis (“golfer’s elbow”) - Tx:
SAME AS FOR Lateral epicondylitis.
Ulnar neuropathy - Cause:
TRAUMA to the ulnar nerve as it traverses the elbow joint.
Ulnar neuropathy - CP:
POSTERO-MEDIAL forearm + 4th/5th digit pain and paresthesias.
Ulnar neuropathy - Dx and evaluation:
- Tenderness with percussion over the cubital tunnel.
2. Decr. Sensation in the ulnar nerve distribution.
Ulnar neuropathy - Tx:
- Modification of activity.
- NSAIDs.
- Splinting.
- Surgery is sometimes required for decompression.
Radial neuropathy - Cause:
Compression of the MOTOR branch of the radial nerve as it traverses the elbow joint between:
==> RADIAL HEAD and SUPINATOR.
Radial neuropathy - CP:
Proximal forearm ache + possible paresthesias radiating to dorsal radial surface of hand and forearm.
Radial neuropathy - Dx and evaluation:
- Reproduction of pain with RESISTED SUPINATION.
- Reproduction of pain with ELBOW FLEXION while forearm is in SUPINATION.
- Diagnostic lidocaine injection at LATERAL epicondyle to differentiate etiology, as symptoms are similar to LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS.
Radial neuropathy - Tx:
- Modification of activity.
- NSAIDs.
- Splinting.
- Surgery is sometimes required for decompression.
Olecranon bursitis - Cause:
- Trauma.
- INFECTION ==> 2o to overlying CELLULITIS (MC gram(+) bacteria, esp. S.aureus).
- Gout/Pseudogout.
- RA.
Olecranon bursitis - CP:
Pain + Swelling over olecranon process.
Olecranon bursitis - Dx and evaluation:
- Inflamed olecranon bursa.
- Pain with flexion, but NOT EXTENSION.
- EXAMINATION OF BURSA FLUID CRITICAL TO DIAGNOSE INFECTION.
Olecranon bursitis - Tx:
- Rest and treatment of the underlying cause.
- Management of gout.
- Drainage and antibiotics for infection.
Carpal tunnel syndrome - Cause:
Median nerve compression at wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome - Precipitating factors:
- Overuse.
- Synovitis.
- HYPOTHYROIDISM.
- Amyloidosis.
- Acromegaly.
- Pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome - CP:
- Numbness and paresthesias in median nerve distribution (1st-3rd fingers + radial half of the 4th).
- NOCTURNAL EXACERBATION.
- Wasting of thenar eminence.
Carpal tunnel syndrome - Dx and evaluation:
- Median nerve Tinel sign.
- Phalen sign ==> Provoke pain, paresthesia, and numbness with forced wrist flexion (reversed “prayer sign”).
- Abnormal nerve conduction test and electromyography.
Carpal tunnel syndrome - Tx:
- Wrist splint.
- NSAIDs.
- Steroid injection.
- Surgical release.
Ulnar tunnel syndrome - Cause:
Ulnar nerve compression at wrist.
Ulnar tunnel syndrome - Precipitating factors:
- Overuse.
- Trauma.
- Ganglion cyst.
Ulnar tunnel syndrome - CP:
Numbness and paresthesias in ulnar nerve distribution.
Ulnar tunnel syndrome - Dx and evaluation:
- Ulnar nerve Tinel sign.
2. Abnormal nerve conduction test and electromyography.
Ulnar tunnel syndrome - Tx:
- Wrist splint.
- NSAIDs.
- Surgical release.
==> NO STEROIDS (vs carpal).
De Quervain tenosynovitis - Cause:
Abductor policis longus + Extensor policis brevis tendon inflammation.
De Quervain tenosynovitis - Precipitating factors:
- Overuse.
2. RA.
De Quervain tenosynovitis - CP:
Radial wrist pain extending from thumb.
De Quervain tenosynovitis - Dx and evaluation:
- Tender over radial styloid.
2. Finkelstein test ==> Provoke pain with forced ulnar deviation of the wrist, with thumb enclosed by fist.
De Quervain tenosynovitis - Tx:
- Wrist/thumb splint.
- NSAIDs.
- Steroid injection.
- Surgery.
Trigger finger - Cause:
Inflammation + Stenosis of digital flexor tendon.
Trigger finger - Precipitating factors:
- Overuse.
2. RA.
Trigger finger - CP:
Tendon catches with flexion of digit.
Trigger finger - Dx and evaluation:
Pain and palpable “catch” with digit flexion.
==> NODULE MAY BE PALPABLE.
Trigger finger - Tx:
- Occupational therapy.
- Steroid injection.
- Surgical release.
Dupuytren contracture - Cause:
Contracture of palmar fascia.
Dupuytren contracture - Precipitating factors:
- Heredity.
- Alcohol.
- DM.
- Epilepsy (!).
Dupuytren contracture - CP:
Unable to fully extend digits.
Dupuytren contracture - Dx and evaluation:
- Flexion deformity of 4th > 5th > 3rd > 2nd digits.
2. Palpable thickening of palmar fascia.
Dupuytren contracture - Tx:
Surgical excision in extreme cases.
Trochanteric bursitis - Cause:
- Overuse.
- Inflammatory arthritis.
- Trauma.
- Associated with OBESITY.
Trochanteric bursitis - CP:
- Deep aching lateral hip pain extending to buttock or lateral knee ==> Not to be mistaken for GROIN PAIN, which is suggestive of HIP JOINT pathology.
- Painful to LIE IN LATERAL DECUBITUS POSITION.
Trochanteric bursitis - Dx and evaluation:
- Pain on PALPATION OVER GREATER TROCHANTER.
2. Pain with RESISTED HIP ABDUCTION.
Trochanteric bursitis - Tx:
- Rest.
- NSAIDs.
- Steroid injection.
- Physical therapy.
Meralgia paresthetica - Cause:
- Entrapment of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
2. Associated with obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, and tight clothing (!).
Meralgia paresthetica - CP:
Numbness and paresthesias over ANTEROLATERAL thigh.
Meralgia paresthetica - Dx and evaluation:
- ANTEROLATERAL thigh SENSORY deficit.
2. TENDER over INGUINAL ligament.
Meralgia paresthetica - Tx:
- NSAIDs.
2. Treat underlying condition.
Hip and knee - Iliotibial band syndrome - Cause:
Overuse of iliotibial band (eg running).
Iliotibial band syndrome - CP:
Pain over lateral thigh above the joint line of the knee.
Iliotibial band syndrome - Dx and evaluation:
Tender over LATERAL femoral condyle when FLEXING or EXTENDING the knee.
Iliotibial band syndrome - Tx:
- Restrict exacerbating activities.
- NSAIDs.
- Physical therapy.
- Steroid injection.
McMurray test (to evaluate meniscal tears):
- Flex the knee as much as possible.
- MEDIAL meniscus evaluated by EXTERNALLY rotating the foot and EXTENDING the knee.
- LATERAL meniscus evaluated by INTERNALLY rotating the foot and EXTENDING the knee.
Chondromalacia patellae - Cause:
Patellofemoral cartilage degeneration.
Chondromalacia patellae - CP:
ANTERIOR knee pain when CLIMBING STAIRS.
Chondromalacia patellae - Dx and evaluation:
Tender with patellar compression.
Chondromalacia patellae - Tx:
- Quadriceps strengthening exercises.
- NSAIDs.
- Rarely surgery.
Meniscal injury - Cause:
Trauma.
Meniscal injury - CP:
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Catching.
- Locking.
- Buckling.
Meniscal injury - Dx and evaluation:
- Tender joint margin.
- Pain with motion.
- Pain with McMurray test.
Meniscal injury - Tx:
- Rest.
- NSAIDs.
- Physical therapy.
- Possible SURGICAL MENISCOTOMY.