Lower Leg, Ankle and Foot Injuries Flashcards
“Shin Splints”
An umbrella term for a variety of lower leg pain. Tibial Contusion Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome Tibial Periostitis Tibial Stress Fracture
Tibial Contusion
Results from a direct contact with the tibia.
- Presentation
- Pain tenderness to palpation
- Local area of swelling
- Area of eccymosis
- Gait Disturbances
X-Ray to R/O (rule out) a fracture.
Treat conservatively with RICE
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a general term used to describe a number of disorders including tendonitis in the following muscles:
- Tibialis Posterior
- Flexor Hallucis Longus
- Flexor Digitorum
Presentation:
- Pain and tenderness to palpation
- Local are of swelling
- Gait disturbances
MTSS Treament
Initially treat MTSS symptomatically
Address etiology
If symptoms persist R/O stress fracture.
Tibial Periostitis
Irritation of the periosteum of the tibia
Diagnosis is based on palpation
“Periostitis” is actual inflammation along the lining of the bone.
Presentation:
- Pain and tenderness to palpation
- Local area of swelling
- Gait disturbances
Treat initially symptomatically as well as with a reduction in weight bearing activity.
Graded return to activity.
Tibial Stress Fracture
Microscopic fractures in the bone Results from repeated microtrauma Presentation: -Pain and tenderness to palpation - Local are of swelling - Gait disturbances (especially with activity)
Stress Fracture: Diagnosis (x-ray and bone scan)
Plain x-rays are often inconclusive
- Low sensitivity (doesn’t always pick up fractures)
- High specificity (you know its a fracture)
Bone Scan
- High sensitivity (high metabolism or actual fracture)
- Low Specificity
Stress Fracture: Diagnosis (ct scan and MRI)
CT Scan:
- Useful in differential diagnosis
- Assists in identification of osteoid osteoma or osteomyolitis
MRI
- High sensitivity
- High specificity
- Expensive
Tibial Stress Fracture
Tibial Shaft is the most common site for stress factures
Careful history and evaluation necessary for differential diagnosis.
Tibial Stress Fracture: Treatment
RICE NSAID's Activity Reduction Address contributing factors - Biomechanical causes - Decreases in bone density - Menstrual/hormonal disturbances
Compartment Syndrome Types
Acute Compartment Syndrome
Exert Ional (Chronic) Compartment Syndrome
Acute Compartment Syndrome
Traumatic Injury Caused by: - Direct Trauma - Complication after surgery - Inappropriate immobilization
Acute Compartment Syndrome Signs and Symptoms
Inappropriate complaints of pain C/O dysthesia Muscle may feel "tight of full" Paralysis A medical emergency
Exert Ional Compartment Syndrome (ECS)
CC of lower leg pain and dysthesia (aching or cramping pain) during or immediately following activity.
Diagnosed with measurement of intramuscular pressure
- 80% involve the anterior and the deep posterior compartment
Treatment
Conservative management includes edema reduction and assessment of biomechanical causes
Surgical intervention: Fasciotomy.
“Return to Play Criteria”
Non-tender to palpation
Full and painless range of motion
Equal strength bilaterally with both flexion and extension
Successful completion of functional performance Testing
Deep Venous Trombosis
A term used to describe a clot formation in the deep veins of the leg.
Considered a serious condition because of the treat of an embolism (esp. pulmonary embolism)
Risk Factors Age Obesity Surgery Trauma Immobilization/Bed Rest
DVT Presentation and Treatment
Presentation
- Diffuse swelling throughout the lower leg
- Diffuse Discoloration (Redness)
- Generalized complaints of pain
Treatment
- Edema Reduction (elevation)
- Immediate Medical Referral*
- Anticoagulant medication
Return to play requires clearance from a physician.
Homan’s Sign is a DVT test (DON’T DO)
Fibular Fracture
MOI: Typically traumatic in nature
Presentation
- Local pain and tenderness along the lateral lower leg
- Local area of edema
- Deformity (maybe)
- Positive compression test/heel tap test
Ankle Sprain
Presentation
- local pain and tenderness along the lateral lower leg (could be medial if inversion vs. eversion)
- local area of edema (especially near the lateral malleolus
- Gait disturbances
Clinical Evaluation
- Anterior Drawer
- Talar Tilt Test.
Ankle Sprain Treatment
Conservative Management
- Rice
- Activity Restriction
- Graded return to activity
Syndesmotic Sprain
Injury tothe distal tibiofibular ligament
MOI: Similar to “inversion sprain”
Clinical Evaluation
-Overpressure with end range dorsiflexion
External rotation Test
Squeeze Test
Prognosis: Extended rehab timeline.