Lower Extremity Disorders part 2 Flashcards
How do we decide when to order a knee x-ray?
Ottawa Knee Rules: Radiograph if 1 criterion is met
- Patient age > 55 years
- Tenderness at the head of the fibula
- Isolated tenderness of the patella
- Inability to flex knee to 90 º
- Inability to bear weight for 4 steps both immediately after the injury and in the ED
a primary stabilizer of the knee preventing anterior translation of the tibia in relation to the femur
ACL
MOI of ACL tear
Sudden deceleration with rotational trauma or hyperextension force applied to the knee
-
Twisting or hyperextension injury followed by:
- Sudden pain & giving way of the knee
- Audible “pop” - Joint effusion within first few hours → increased pain
- Joint effusion
- Limited ROM → unable to bear full weight
- (+) Lachman, Anterior drawer, pivot shift tests
dx?
w/u and findings?
what imaging is often ordered to confirm dx?
- ACL tear
- XR Knee series - effusions, avulsion fracture of lateral capsular margin of tibia (Segond fracture), Tibial eminence fracture common in open growth plates
- MRI to confirm
pathology of ACL tear
- Complete rupture of ligament most often occurs
- Commonly associated with a meniscal tear - MCL, LCL, or PCL are rarely damaged
management for ACL tear
- Initial
- RICE with knee immobilizer brace, +/- crutches
- acetaminophen before NSAIDs
- aspiration if large effusion
- Start early ROM exercises as pain allows - Refer to ortho
- Young → reconstruction with graft
- Older - PT to strengthen surrounding muscles to improve stability
for ACL reconstruction with graft in young patients, the graft is taken from patients ___, ___, or ___ from a cadaver
patellar, hamstring, or quadriceps tendon
Sequelae of conservative management for ACL tear (2)
Medial meniscus tear, secondary degenerative joint disease
what ligament prevents posterior translation of the tibia in relation to the femur
PCL
MOI of PCL tear (2)
- Direct blow to the tibia - Knee strikes dashboard in MVA or fall onto knee
- Extreme hyperextension (associated ACL rupture)
2 pathologies of PCL tears
- Injuries range from a stretch injury to a complete rupture
- Often associated with other injuries - Collateral ligaments, ACL ruptures
- Same as ACL (minus special tests unless ACL is ruptured as well)
- (+) Posterior drawer test
- Assess NV status if multiligamentous injury is suspected
- Assess with ABI - if < 0.9 order arterial imaging to r/o intimal tear that could lead to thrombosis
dx?
w/u?
mgmt?
- PCL tear
- same as ACL
-
RICE, Knee immobilizer; Begin ROM after 1-5 days
- isolated PCL injuries - PT; reconstruction if PT fails
- multiligamentous injuries - reconstruction
possible complication of PCL tear
Osteoarthritis
what ligaments provide stability from varus and valgus stress
collateral ligaments
MOI of collateral ligament tear
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) - lateral (valgus) blow to the knee; Football clipping injury
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) - associated with other traumatic knee injuries; Much less common
- Localized pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness along ligament course - Worsens over 6-8 hours
- may be able to bear weight after injury
- 1-2 days after injury ecchymosis noted along ligament course and a small effusion
- Assess uninjured extremity first to gage normal laxity
-
Varus/valgus testing performed in extension and 30° flexion
- Laxity noted in extension = more significant trauma
- Instability may be masked by pain and involuntary muscle contraction
dx?
w/u?
- collateral ligament tear
- XR AP/Lat Knee; MRI to confirm
mgmt for collateral ligament tear grade I and II
Sprains-partial tear (Grade I and II)
- RICE, hinged knee brace, NSAIDs
- Early ROM exercises
- Crutches with weight-bearing as tolerated
mgmt for collateral ligament tear Grade III
Complete rupture (Grade III)
- Refer to ortho
- Tx varies based upon location of rupture - Conservative (hinged knee brace) vs. repair or reconstruction
gel-like pads that sit between the femur and tibia
Function as shock absorbers and provides a smooth gliding surface during ambulation
Menisci
MOI of meniscal injury (2)
- Rotational force of the knee while foot is planted
- Older patients (degenerative tear) - Minimal (squatting down) to no trauma
-
Pain and stiffness following MOI that progressively worsens over 2-3 days
- Ambulation after injury is possible
- may report hearing a “pop” - (+) Locking, catching, or popping noted more after effusion begins to resolve
- Tenderness along joint line of the affected meniscus - Medial meniscus MC affected
- Effusion (directly affects ROM)
- Larger effusion MC in lateral tears (closer to joint capsule)
- Small effusion seen with tears of avascular central body - (+) McMurray - painful click noted on exam
dx?
w/u?
- meniscal injury
- XR; MRI knee
meniscal injury - Add a weight bearing AP with knee in 45° flexion if pt is how old?
> 40 y/o
Provides info on amount of osteoarthritis which directly affects surgical outcomes
mgmt for meniscal injury?
- initial - RICE, NSAIDS
- arthroscopic repair if indicate
- No indications for surgery → initial management then PT
Indications for referral to ortho for arthroscopic repair
- Young patients with traumatic tear
- Failure to conservative therapy (persistent joint line tenderness)
- Mechanical symptoms
- Evidence of ligamentous instability
MOI of knee dislocation
severe ligamentous disruption
- MVA
- Fall from height
- Trampoline falls
- Martial arts
- Spontaneous with walking in morbidly obese patients
MC in young males
how are knee dislocations characterized?
MC dislocation?
based upon direction of the tibia in relation to the femur
- anterior
- posterior
- lateral
- medial
-
deformity with severe pain and limited ROM
- 50% will spontaneously reduce - Ecchymosis and swelling
- Assess NV status
- Popliteal artery, common peroneal and tibial nerve injuries
- Limb-threatening vascular injuries are common even with normal pulses - Attempt ligamentous assessment
- May be limited due to large effusions
- Hyperextension >30° when leg is lifted by foot indicates gross instability
dx?
w/u?
- knee dislocation
- XR; CT/MRI after reduction and stabilization
management for knee dislocation
-
Reduction - longitudinal traction
- Procedural sedation
- post-reduction NV check - If distal pulses are intact, assess by ABI / angiography
- Immobilize knee in 20° flexion - Allow access to distal feet for serial NV assessment
- Post reduction imaging - Ortho and vascular surgery consultation
- Admit for serial NV checks
tibial plateau fx MOI (2)
-
Valgus stress = lateral plateau fracture (MC)
- High-energy trauma in young patient - Low-energy trauma in osteoporotic geriatric pt - Twisting or fall
- Sudden onset of pain after trauma with the inability to bear weight
- Swelling, joint effusion
- (+/-) deformity
- Limited ROM
- Assess NV status with ABI
- Look for evidence of open fx
- Assess for associated injuries
- Assess for compartment syndrome
dx?
w/u?
- Tibial Plateau Fractures
- XR; CT/MTI to evaluate amount of displacement before surgery; CTA if vascular comp
this XR is beneficial if AP/lateral are inconclusive in tibial plateau fx
oblique
mgmt for tibial plateau fx
- Initial - Compression, ice, analgesics, splinting in extension
- Displaced - Most all fractures will require ORIF
-
Non-displaced
- Long-leg posterior splint / knee immobilizer, crutches, strict non-weight bearing
- F/u with ortho within 1 week
indications for emergent consultation in tibial plateau fx
Open fx, NV compromise, compartment syndrome
indications for urgent consultation (within 24-48 h) for tibial plateau fx
- Fractures with any displacement or depression
- Most all fractures will require ORIF
- Sudden force to flexed knee with quadriceps contracted
- Knee flexion at the beginning of a jump or an awkward landing
dx?
Tibial Tubercle Fracture
- MC in children - Bones with open growth plates
- Pain, tenderness, and swelling over tibial tuberosity
- Displacement of patella superiorly
- Loss of ROM
dx?
w/u?
mgmt?
- tibial tubercle fx
- XR knee - 2 views
- mgmt
- Incomplete/small avulsion: RICE; Knee immobilizer, long leg posterior splint, no weight bearing; Refer to ortho within 1 week
- Complete avulsion: RICE; Knee immobilizer, long leg posterior splint, no weight bearing; Urgent ortho consult for ORIF (24-48 h)
Most common long bone fracture
Most often in association with fibular fracture
Tibial Shaft Fracture
MOI of Tibial Shaft Fracture (adults & children)
- Adults: high-energy direct blow to the tibia
- Children: twisting injury
presentation of tibial shaft fx
- inability to bear weight
- Pain, swelling, deformity
- Assess for common complications: Open fracture, NV compromise, Compartment syndrome
diagnostics for tibial shaft fx
- AP and Lateral Tibia/Fibula XR - Add on knee and ankle if associated injury is suspected
- Add oblique XR / CT - Further evaluate complexity of fracture
- Bone scan if occult fx is suspected
mgmt for tibial shaft fx
- Initial - RICE, analgesics, long leg posterior splint
- Emergent consultation - Open fx, Tib/fib fracture, NV compromise, compartment syndrome
-
Displaced
- Closed reduction and long leg splinting (posterior + stirrup)
- Admit for observation and monitoring of complications
- Consult ortho -
Non-displaced
- Long-leg posterior splint, crutches, strict non-weight bearing
- F/u with ortho within 1 week
- Isolated fracture uncommon, most often associate with tibia fx
- MOI: Direct blow to the lower leg; Rotational force
dx?
fibula fx
- May be able to bear weight - if isolated
- Point tenderness and localized pain with swelling
- Deformity may be noted if displaced
- Assess for Maisonneuve fx
dx?
w/u?
- fibula fx
- XR - 2 views tib/fb; isolated knee/ankle if needed
Proximal fibula fx with associated medial malleolus fx or ligament disruption of ankle without fx
what type of fx?
Maisonneuve fracture
mgmt for fibula fx
- RICE, analgesics, long leg posterior splint
- Emergent consultation - Open fx, tib/fib fracture, NV compromise, crush injuries, compartment syndrome
- Displaced/Maisonneuve - Posterior long leg splint; Refer within 24-48 hours
- Fibular head/neck fx - Knee immobilizer splint / long leg posterior; Ortho within 1 week
- Distal fibula fx - Stirrup splint / air-cast splint; Ortho within 1 week
what type of fibula fx may begin early weight bearing using crutches as needed
Isolated, non-displaced fibular fractures
how to inspect/palpate anterior view, standing, and supine for foot and ankle exam
- Note the alignment of the toes, the position of the foot in relation to the limb, and the medial curvature of the forefoot
- Palpate plantar fascia, MTP joints, and head of metatarsal for sesamoid bone tenderness
- how to inspect and palpate posterior view in foot and ankle exam?
- what is normal?
- Assess heel alignment - while standing
- Nml: neutral or slight valgus (turned-out heel) with no more than 1-2 lateral toes visible from behind - Palpate Achilles tendon insertion
how to inspect and palpate medial view in foot and ankle exam
inspect while standing
-
Arch
- Should be symmetric
- High arch (pes cavus)
- Flatfoot posture (pes planus) - Prominence of medial midfoot - Accessory navicular bone
- Palpate for perimalleolar tenderness.
how to inspect and palpate lateral view in foot and ankle exam
inspect while standing
- Inspect for calluses, ankle swelling, or prominence of the posterior calcaneus
- Palpate for perimalleolar tenderness
how to inspect pt while standing on their toes
- Note symmetry
- Heels should move into a normal slight-varus position
how to assess gait in foot and ankle exam
- Analyze alignment of the foot during the different phases of gait - Heel strike, mid stance, toe-off, swing phase
- Look for obvious limp, lurch, dragging of the feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, and drop-foot gait
- how to assess ROM in foot and ankle exam?
- normal degree of range of ankle, foot, and toes?
Starting position - the foot is perpendicular to the tibia
- Ankle: Plantar Flexion 0-50°; Dorsiflexion 0-20°
- Foot: Inversion 0-35°; Eversion 0-25°
- Toes: Flexion 0–30°; Extension 0–80°
specific muscle testing for Posterior tibialis
Resist as patient inverts and plantar flexes
specific muscle testing of Anterior tibialis
Resist as patient inverts and dorsiflexes the foot
specific muscle testing of Peroneus longus and brevis
resist eversion
specific muscle testing of Extensor hallucis longus
Resist dorsiflexion of the great toe
specific muscle testing of Flexor hallucis longus
Resist plantar flexion of the great toe
3 special tests of foot and ankle exam
- Anterior Drawer Test
- Talar Tilt Test
- Thompson’s Test
Excessive anterior translocation of the foot is indicative of anterior talofibular ligament instability
what test?
Anterior Drawer Test
what is the talar tilt test?
Tests integrity of the calcaneofibular ligament, deltoid ligament, anterior, and posterior talofibular ligaments
- Calcaneofibular - inversion from anatomical position
- Deltoid - eversion from anatomical position
- Anterior talofibular - plantarflexion and inversion
- Posterior talofibular ligament - dorsiflexion with inversion and eversion
what is the thompson’s test?
Compression of the calf in a prone position should produce plantar flexion. Absence of this finding indicates achilles tendon rupture
imaging choice for the ankle?
Ankle Series
- AP
- Lateral
- Mortise: Provides a better view of the ankle joint
Ottawa ankle rules for XR
Radiograph if 1 is present
- Pain at the malleoli
- Inability to bear weight 4 steps
- Tenderness posteriorly or inferiorly at the malleoli
imaging choice for the foot
Foot Series
- AP
- Oblique
- Lateral
ottawa foot rules for XR
Radiograph if 1 is present
- Inability to bear weight for 4 steps
- Tenderness at base of 5th metatarsal
- Tenderness over navicular bone
- Occurs 5-7 cm from insertion site on calcaneus
- MOI → Direct (blow) or indirect (forced dorsiflexion - stop and go sports)
which type of achilles tendon injury?
rupture
- Occurs at insertion site
- MOI: indirect as above
which type of achilles tendon injury?
tear
- Often reports “pop” sound with sudden severe pain
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Palpable defect
- Weak active plantar flexion
- (+) Thompson test
dx?
achilles tendon rupture
Less acute/severe pain than a rupture
Localized tenderness over insertion site
No palpable defect
dx?
achilles tendon tear
w/u and mgmt for achilles tendon injury
- Diagnostics - Ankle x-ray; MRI/US confirms
- RICE, Follow up with ortho within 1 wk
- Rupture: Short leg posterior splint in slight plantar flexion; Non-weight bearing; Surgical vs non-surgical management
- Tear: Controlled Ankle Motion (CAM) boot and PT
MOI of achilles tendonitis
Microtrauma from repetitive stress who has increased their training program or is training rigorously for a long period of time
- Burning pain and stiffness 2-6 cm above posterior calcaneus - Worse with activity and relieved with rest
- (-) Thompson test
- No defect noted
- ROM and MS normal
- Long-standing dx may result in palpable calcaneal spur
dx?
w/u?
mgmt?
- achilles tendonitis
- clinical dx
- Rest, ice, NSAIDs x 7-10 d; Chronic or no improvement - Refer to PT
classifications of ankle sprains?
MC?
Classified based upon location & severity
- Lateral ankle sprain - MC
- Medial ankle sprain
- High ankle sprain
cause of lateral ankle sprain?
damage of what ligaments?
Inversion injury
Damaged to anterior talofibular ligament or calcaneofibular ligament
cause of medial ankle sprain?
damage to what ligament?
- Eversion injury
- Damage to the deltoid ligament
cause of high ankle sprain?
damage to which structure?
- Severe inversion
- Damage to the tibiofibular syndesmosis
- h/o fall / twisting injury
- pain, swelling, ecchymosis, difficulty ambulating
- Localized point tenderness over involved ligament - Assess both malleoli and 5th metatarsal base
- Decreased ROM
- Squeeze test - Pain over the distal tib/fib (damage to tibiofibular syndesmosis)
- (+) Talar Tilt with pain with individualized tendon maneuver
- (+) Anterior drawer with anterior talofibular injury
dx?
w/u?
- ankle sprain
- ankle series - if fits ottawa ankle rules; nml unless high ankle sprain (Tibiofibular syndesmosis widening)
phase 1 mgmt of ankle sprain
most important in management plan
- RICE with NSAIDs
- Aircast splint or ankle brace (rarely a cast for high grade injuries)
- wt bearing as tolerated - crutches if severe pain
phase 2 mgmt for ankle sprain
- start once wt bearing w/o pain (appx. 2-4 wks after injury)
- Continue splint
- Start strengthening exercises and achilles stretching
- Writing “ABC’s”, ROM with elastic band, heel raise
phase 3 mgmt for ankle sprain
- Start once full ROM has returned and strength is up to 80% of normal
- Wean ankle bracing
- Increased strength exercise intensity - One leg balance, running figure eights
- Refer to PT if limited ROM and pain after 2-3 wks of home therapy
Indications for referral to ortho for ankle sprains
Nerve injury, hx of chronic instability, failure to improve after 6 wks
classifications of ankle fx
Classified based upon location and ligamentous involvement
- Unilateral fracture without ligament disruption (stable)
-
Bimaleolar (unstable)
- Both medial and lateral malleoli fractured
- Unilateral malleoli with ligament disruption
Trimaleolar (unstable)
- Both malleoli with posterior lip of tibia
- Both malleoli with ligament disruption
- Pain and swelling
-
Point tenderness and limited ROM
- Identify if point tenderness is only over the malleoli or if ligaments are affected - Palpate proximal fibula for tenderness (Maisonneuve fx)
- Assess NV status
dx?
w/u?
- ankle fx
- Ankle XR series; CT ankle
mgmt for ankle fx
-
Emergent ortho evaluation: Open fracture, NV compromise, associated dislocation
- Unstable and displaced - ORIF -
Unstable, nondisplaced fracture
- Short / long leg splint/cast; non-weight bearing
- F/u with ortho with in 7 days - Stable fracture: wt-bearing splint/cast x 4-6 weeks
-
Suspected occult fracture
- Short leg splint and repeat x-ray in 10-14 d
- Repeat x-ray in 10-14 days will reveal a bony callus around occult fracture as healing begins
MC calcaneal fx?
tarsal bone fx
MOI of calcaneal fx
Results from axial loading
Often associated with vertebral fx
- Severe pain in heel with inability to bear weight
- Swelling, ecchymosis and deformity may be present
- Assess NV status
- Cap refill preferred or doppler - Distal pulses may be diminished due to swelling - Assess lumbar spine for tenderness
dx?
w/u?
- calcaneal fx
- XR - foot & ankle series, lumbar XR if (+) exam; CT for further eval or need for surgery
mgmt for calcaneal fx
- RICE
- Well padded posterior short leg splint
- Non-weight bearing
- Ortho consult with in 24 hours
- Displaced fractures require ORIF
- Non-displaced fx may be tx conservatively with serial XR to ensure displacement doesn’t occur
2nd MC tarsal fx
talar fx
Anatomic Considerations: Extensive blood supply; At risk for AVN
MOI of talar fx
High force plantarflexion, dorsiflexion or inversion force
presentation as same as calcaneal fx
w/u & mgmt for talar fx
- Foot & ankle series; CT for further evaluation of fracture is surgery is considered
- Same as calcaneal fx
Displacement of the talus from the tibia
dx?
ankle dislocation
types of ankle dislocation?
which is MC?
MOIs of each?
-
Posterior - MC
- MOI: Posterior force on plantar flexed foot -
Lateral
- MOI: Forced inversion, eversion, or external or internal rotation of ankle
highly unstable - Disruption of lateral or medial ligaments and/or the tibiofibular syndesmosis
- Grossly deformed
- Posterior dislocation - Locked in plantar flexion with the anterior tibia easily palpable
- Assess NV status - If vascular compromise, reduction should not be delayed for imaging
dx?
w/u?
mgmt?
- ankle dislocation
- Ankle/foot series; CT/MRI often needed to further assess associated fx or ligamentous damage
-
reduction; consult ortho ASAP
- Procedural sedation
- Grasp heel and foot and apply downward traction
- posterior leg splint
- Reassess NV status
- Obtain post reduction films
- MOI: Twisting or rotational force; Blunt trauma (item dropped on foot)
- Pain with weight bearing
- Swelling, ecchymosis, and tenderness over site - In stress fractures, may only demonstrate tenderness
- Fracture at base of 5th metatarsal = Jones fracture
dx?
w/u?
mgmt?
- metatarsal fx
- foot series; CT if XR nml and still sus
- mgmt
- Single nondisplaced metatarsal neck and shaft fx: Short leg posterior cast or fx brace; wt-bearing is permitted
- Multiple fx or displaced/angulated fx: Consult for open/closed reduction
AKA: Lisfranc joint
A disruption of tarsometatarsal joint (Lisfranc injury)
often associated with fx of the metatarsals and tarsals
dx?
Tarsometatarsal Injury
- An axial load placed on a plantar-flexed foot, followed by forcible rotation, bending, or compression. - Crush injuries, high-impact accidents such as a MVA, or high-impact sports
- Midfoot pain/tenderness
- Inability to bear weight
- (+) deformity, swelling, ecchymosis
- Assess for compartment syndrome and NV injury
dx?
w/u?
- Tarsometatarsal Injury
- Wt bearing foot series, Often BL images for comparison; CT/MRI if clinical suspicion but nml x-rays
mgmt for tarsometatarsal injury
-
Non-displaced
- Non-wt bearing splint/cast (short-leg posterior) x 6-8 wks
- rigid arch support x 3 mo -
Displaced fracture/TMT joint
- Splint as above
- ORIF
MC phalangeal fx
5th phalanx
MC phalangeal dislocation
MTP of the 1st joint
presentation of phalangeal injury?
w/u?
mgmt?
- Pain/tenderness, swelling, ecchymosis, deformity, limited ROM
- Foot series
- Mgmt
- Non-displaced fx: buddy tape
- Displaced/angulated: reduce w/ local anesthesia and buddy tape
- Dislocation: digital block with traction reduction - Repeat post reduction films
what is Hallux Valgus?
MC in who?
cause?
AKA: Bunion
- Lateral deviation of great toe at metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint
- 10x in females
- Caused by tight fitting shoes and osteoarthritis
presentation of hallux valgus
w/u?
mgmt?
- Pain and swelling of 1st MTP joint - Aggravated by shoe wear; most have nml ROM
- Foot series - Measure valgus angulation at the MTP joint
- Pt ed: shoe wear mods (wide shoes, stitching patterns over bunion, avoid high heels); refer to ortho for surgery (still symptomatic even with conservative tx)
nml angle measurement of MTP joint
< 15°
what is Morton’s Neuroma?
MC where?
MC in who?
- A perineural fibrosis of common digital nerve as it passes between the metatarsal heads
- MC base of 3rd & 4th toes - 3rd web space
- 5x females - Likely related to compression of the nerve by tight shoes
- Plantar pain in the forefoot - Burning; Aggravated by activity, wearing high heeled or tight shoes; Relief with rest
- Dysesthesias into affected two toes
- feel as though they are “walking on a marble” or there is a wrinkle in their sock
- (+) Interdigital Neuroma Test - increased tenderness and pain radiating into the toes
dx?
w/u?
mgmt?
- Morton’s Neuroma
- XR (nml), MRI/US can detect neuroma but findings are inconsistent
- MC nonsurgical tx - pt ed (low heeled, well cushioned, wide toe box, metatarsal padding); CSI; surgical excision if sx persist or recur
- One of the MCC of heel pain in adults
- Peak incidence between ages 40-60
- Etiology not well understood
- Risk factors: Obesity, flat feet, prolonged standing/jumping
dx?
Plantar Fasciitis
presentation of plantar fasciitis?
w/u?
- Insidious onset
-
Heel pain - worse when initiating walking
- most severe during their 1st steps in AM (or after long period of inactivity/sitting)
- lessens with walking
- Worsens toward end of day d/t prolonged wt bearing
- Relieved by sitting - Tenderness directly over medial calcaneal tuberosity and 1-2 cm along the plantar fascia
- Passive dorsiflexion of toes may cause increased pain
XR to r/o other conditions
mgmt of plantar fasciitis
- Non-surgical MC
- Initial: OTC orthotic heel pad and home stretching program
- Avoid barefoot walking & flat shoes, activities that may be causative (dancing, running)
- Ice and NSAIDs
- May take 6-12 mo to resolve -
Unresponsive
- CSI into heel
- Custom orthotic
- Surgical: partial release of plantar fascia