MSK Flashcards
What is osteogenesis imperfecta?
A genetic condition that affects the production of collagen resulting in brittle bones that are prone to fractures
What is osteogenesis imperfecta also called?
Brittle bone syndrome
What is collagen used for in MSK system?
Essential for maintaining the structure + function of bone, skin, tendons and connective tissues
An infant presents with unusual and recurrent fractures, you think about safegaurding. When examining the child you notice a blue discolouration of the sclera. Possible diagnosis?
Osteogenesis imperfecta
A child presents with recurrent fractures and
* Hypermobility
* Blue/grey sclera
He also has:
* Triangular face
* Short stature
* Dental problems (formation of teeth)
* Bone deformaties (e.g. bowed legs + scoliosis)
Possible underlying diagnosis?
Osteogenesis imperfecta
What is the pharmacological management of osteogenesis imperfecta?
- Bisphosphonates (increase bone density)
- Vitamin D supplementation (prevent deficiency)
What is transient synovitis also referred to as?
Irritable hip
What is most common cause of hip pain in children aged 3-10 years?
Transient synovitis
What is transient synovitis and what it is associated with?
Transient synovitis = temporary irritation + inflammation in the **synovial membrane **of the joint (synovitis)
Transient synovitis = associated with viral upper respiratory tract infection
If a child (3-10 yrs) presents with mainfestations below, what are the most probable diagnoses/concerns?
- Hip pain + no fever –> transient synovitis
- Hip pain + fever –> septic arthritis (urgent treatment)
What is a red flag differential for transient synovitis?
Septic arthritis
(Hip pain + fever)
A 7 year old patinet prenets with:
* Limp
* Refusal to weight bear
* Groin or hip pain
* Mild low grade temperature
* Seems otherwise well
From the Hx you discover that they had a viral URTI 2 weeks ago.
Possible diagnosis?
Transient synovitis
What is the management for transient synovitis?
Symptomatic treatment → simple analgesia
* + safety net advice (develops fever → A&E )
When does transient synovitis tend to resolve?
Symptoms fully resolve within 1-2 weeks
(Typically significant improvement after 24-48 hours)
What is osteomyelitis?
Infection in the bone + bone marrow
(Typically occurs in the metaphysis of the long bones)
What is the difference between chronic and acute osteomyelitis?
- Chronic osteomyelitis = deep seated, slow growing infection → slowly developing symptoms
- Acute osteomyelitis = presents more quickly with an acutely unwell child
What is the most common bacteria that causes osteomyelitis?
Staphylococcus aureus
How can the bacteria get into the bone in osteomyelitis?
- Direct → open fracture
- Indirect → through blood after entering the body via different route e.g. skin or gums
What child is osteomyelitis more commonly found in?
Boys under 10 years
What are some risk factors for osteomyelitis?
- Open bone fracture
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Immunocompromised
- Sickle cell anaemia
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
How does a child with osteomyelitis present?
Acutely with an unwell child or more chronically with subtle features
* Refusing to use the limb or weight bear
* Pain
* Swelling
* Tenderness
Also:
* Afebrile/low grade fever
* Acute osteomyelitis may have high fever (particularly if it has spread to joint → causing septic arthritis)
What are the 3 investigations for osteomyelitis in children?
Ix:
* First line: X-ray (can be normal)
* **Gold standard: MRI **
* Alternative: Bone scan
- Bloods (Raised CRP, ESR, WBC)
- Blood culture (establish causative organism)
- Bone marrow aspiration or bone biopsy with histology + culture
What is the management for osteomyelitis?
- Extensive + prolonged **antibiotic therapy
- Drainage + debridement** of infected bone
What is Osgood-Schlatters disease?
Inflammation at the tibial tuberosity where the patella ligament inserts
(Usually unilateral)
A boy aged 10-15 year old boy presents with pain in one anterior knee. Possible diagnosis?
Osgood-Schlatters disease
What is the most common cause of anterior knee pain in adolescents?
Osgood-Schlatters disease
What is the pathophysiology underlying Osgood-Schattlers?
- Stress from running, jumping etc at same time as growth in the epiphyseal pale → results in inflammation on the tibial epiphyseal plate
- Multiple small avulsion fractures occur where the patella ligament pulls away tiny pieces of bone
- Leads to tibial tuberosity growth → visiable lump below knee
- Lump is intially tender due to inflammation → heals and inflammation settles → becomes hard
A 12 yr old child presents with:
* Visible or palpable hard and tender lump at the tibial tuberosity
* Pain in the anterior aspect of the knee
* The pain is exacerbated by physical activity, kneeling and on extension of the knee
He says that its been going on for a while (gradual onset). Possible diagnosis?
Osgood-Shlatters disease
What is the management for Osgood-Sclatters disease?
Initial mangement → reducing pain + inflammation:
* Ice
* NSAIDs
* Reduction in physical activity
After symptoms settle:
* Stretching + physiotherapy → strengthen the joint
What does a kid’s knee look like after Osgood-Schlatters disease?
A hard boney lump on their knee
What is rare complication of Osgood-Schlatters diease?
A full avulsion fracture
(the tibial tuberosity is separated from the rest of the tibia)
* Requires surgicical intervention
What is a slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)?
Also known as slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)
Where the head of the femur is displaced (‘slips’) along the growth plate
What is the typical patient for a SUFE?
Obese children:
* Boys → 8-15 years
* Girls → 11 years
When is a SUFE most likely to occur?
An adolescent obese male undergoing a growth spurt
An obese 12 year old boy presents with:
* Hip, groin, thigh or knee pain
* Restricted range of hip movement
* Painful limp
* Restricted movement in the hip
He also prefers to keep his hip in external rotation and has restricted internal rotation
Possible diagnosis?
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
What are the investigations you want to request when you suspect a SUFE?
First line: X-ray
Second line:
* Blood test (ESR, CRP → exclude other causes of joint pain)
* Technetium bone scan
* CT scan
* MRI scan
What is the mangement of a SUFE?
Surgery
(return the femoral head to correct position + fix it into place)
What is Perthes disease?
Perthes disease = disruption of blood flow to the femoral head → causing avascular necrosis of the bone → affecting the femur epiphysis
The epiphysis = the bone distal to the growth plate (physis)