MSK Flashcards
A weakness in which muscle results in a winged scapula?
What are some causes of weakness to this muscle?
Serratus Anterior
Long thoracic nerve damage
Brachial Plexus injury
C5-7 nerve root injury / infection
Muscular Dystrophy
How would you manage a patient with possible UNSTABLE SPINAL #?
Initial triple immobilisation Analgesia AP and Lateral XR of C-Spine C1-T1 & a peg view Discuss with neurosurgeon/orthopaedics Further imaging CT or MRI
What is the surgical management for EXTRA CAPSULAR NOF#?
Dynamic Hip Screw
What is the surgical management for INTRA CAPSULAR NOF# that is UNDISPLACED in a YOUNG patient?
Cannulated screws
What is the surgical management for SUBTROCHANTERIC NOF#?
Intermedullary nails
What paediatric condition describes hip fracture particularly common to adolescent obese males?
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
How does OA of the hip present?
Progressive pain and loss of function in hip
Groin pain
Pain on movement / on standing from sitting
Pain at night
Hx of OA in other joints or FHx of OA
Previous trauma?
What are some lifestyle changes and therapies that may help with osteoarthritis of the knee?
Weight loss
Stop smoking
Physiotherapy
What is the dose of methotrexate?
2.5 mg tablets / injections
What are some possible side effects of methotrexate?
Sickness, Diarrhoea, Skin Rash, Mouth Ulcers, Hair Loss
Am I allowed to drink alcohol whilst on methotrexate?
No, increased damage to liver with methotrexate
What regular blood tests are required on methotrexate?
FBC (Including WCC and Platelets), LFT, Renal
NB:
- Bone marrow suppression can occur abruptly when on methotrexate, especially if on another anti-folate drug (e.g. trimethoprim). Clinically significant drop in FBC or WCC calls for immediate withdrawal.
- Liver toxicity, Tx shouldn’t be started if symptoms of hepatotoxicity or deranged LFTs
- Pulmonary toxicity is a special problem in RA, discontinue if pneumonitis is suspected
- Avoid self-medicating with aspirin or ibuprofen OTC whilst on methotrexate
What are the rules on pregnancy and breast feeding with methotrexate?
Methotrexate can harm the baby, therefore should not become pregnant or father a baby for at least 3 months after stopping.
Must use effective contraception during use.
Must not breast feed.
I heard methotrexate can make me infertile
This can happen, however it is thought to go back to normal after treatment is stopped.
Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
What symptoms should you make a patient about to start methotrexate aware of to notify the doctor about? What pathology do the symptoms indicate?
Sore throat, unusual bruising, mouth ulcers (Bone Marrow Toxicity)
Sickness, abdo pain, dark urine (Hepatotoxicity)
SOB, Cough (Pneumonitis)
Can you give me anything to reduce the likelihood of experiencing side effects of methotrexate?
Folic Acid 5mg on a different day to methotrexate can help with GI and mucosal side effects
What are the 5 RED FLAGS of BACK PAIN?
Progressively worsening, not relieved by rest
<20 or >50 years old
Urinary / Faecal incontinence, Leg weakness, Saddle anaesthesia
Severe trauma or minor trauma with known osteoporosis
History of cancer; weight loss; fever