MSK Flashcards
X-ray
Photons produced by electromagnetic energy are absorbed by large calcium atoms but not absorbed by smaller atoms in soft tissue
- useful in the detection of pathology of the skeletal system
A: alignment (scoliosis)
B: bone (intact, fractured, fucked?)
C: cartilage (joint spaces)
D: density (osteoporosis cannot be diagnosed, needs further tests)
CT Scan
Computerized tomography scan
- combines a series of x-ray views taken from many different angles and computer programming to produce cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues
- indications: when X-ray results are normal but physical exam findings suggest pathology is present; determining pathology in transverse plane; small lesions
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging
- uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within 3D images
- CANT BE USED WITH METAL
DEXA
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
- preferred technique for measuring bone mineral density
- non-invasive use of two energy waves
- 10-20 minutes
- mostly hip and spine
OA vs RA
- OA: a type of arthritis marked by progressive cartilage deterioration in synovial joints, particularly hands, spine, knees, and hips
- RA: an autoimmune disorder causing chronic systemic inflammatory disease
OA types and pathophysiology
1 . Idiopathic
2. Previous injury/infection to joint; repetitive stresses; hyperthyroidism
- patho: repeated abnormal stresses to articular cartilage cause alteration in cartilage matrix. Decreased water content, collagen, proteoglycans makes shit brittle.. Hyaline breakdown and limited repair ability. Osteophytes
OA onset / patterns
Insidious with steady progression at variable rates
- asymmetrical or unilateral
- joint space narrowing
OA S&S
- Signs: localized stiffness and tenderness, morning stiffness that eases < 1 hr, instability, pain with/after activity
- symptoms: enlarged/deformed joints, crepitus, joint swolling
Classification of OA
Grade 1: no narrowing of the joint space, possible osteophytes (bone spurs)
2: definite osteophytes and absent or questionable narrowing of joint space
3. Moderate osteophytes and joint space narrowing, some sclerosis and possible deformity
4: large osteophytes, marked narrowing of joint space, severe sclerosis and definite deformity
Peripheral pain
Local
- cartilage
- bone
- swelling
Central pain
- diffuse hyperalgesia
- multifocal
- fatigue
- insomnia
- memory impairment
- mood disorders
Central sensitization
An alteration in pain processing
- loss of descending anti-nocioceptive mechanisms
- “Wind up”
- sensitivity of central neurons to peripheral inputs
- increased response of CNS neurons which inform of pain when faced with inputs from low threshold mechanoreceptors
Wind up
Perceived increase in pain intensity over time when given painful stimulus is delivered repeatedly above a critical rate. It is caused by repeated stimulation of group C peripheral nerve fibers, leading to progressively increasing electrical response in the corresponding spinal cord (posterior horn) neurons
Allodynia
Perceived pain from non-painful input
Hyperalgesia
Increased sensitivity to pain or “painful” stimulus. May not actually be painful
- may be due to damaged nocioceptors or peripheral nerves
Joint replacement
- greater risk of continued pain post replacement if OA, high pain levels, or low pain threshold
- modifiable risk factors include: excess body mass, joint injury, occupation stresses, mal-alignment
RA types
Systemic autoimmune inflammatory idiopathic disease with the presence of rheumatoid factor. Heterogeneous group of disorders where inflammation in joints in the main problem
- monocyclic: 1 episode, no recurrence
- polycyclic: fluctuating levels of disease
- progressive: unremitting