MSK and Rheumatology Flashcards
name the 4 stages of bone repair?
Haematoma formation f ibro cartilaginous callus formation bony callus formation bone remodelling
describe what occurs in the first stage of bone repair?
A haematoma forms at the injury site macrophages and inflammatory leucocytes move to the damaged area They scavenge debris and kill pathogens they begin producing pro-inflammatory agents that initiate healing
describe what occurs in the second stage of bone repair?
After a haematoma is formed and inflammation has begun: cell division growth of new blood vessels, chondrocytes -secrete collagen and proteoglycans creating fibrous cartilage + forms the soft callus
describe what occurs in the third stage of bone repair?
Through endochondral ossification and direct bone formation soft callus is replaced by woven bone creating a hard callous around the broken bone
describe what occurs in the fourth stage of bone repair?
Over time mechanically strong highly organised cortical bone replaces the weaker disorganised woven bone which makes the hard callus eventually creating normal bone
what is osteoarthritis? Describe pathophysiology
A degenerative joint disorder: - from mechanical and biological events - these destabilises the normal cycle of cartilage matrix and subchondral bone - overall : resulting in either reduced formation of bone or increased catabolism of bone
describe the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis?
- Chondrocytes release enzymes which break down collagen and proteoglycans
- destroying the cartilage
- this paired with reduced formation of bone exposes the sub control bone
- causing sclerosis the disordered remodelling
- creates osteophytes and sub- chondral bone cysts
- causing a decrease in joint space
which bones does osteoarthritis affect the most?
Knees hips hands lumber and C-spine The base of the thumb:where the thumb and wrist join (the trapeziometacarpal [TMC] or carpometacarpal [CMC] joint) The joint closest to the fingertip (the distal interphalangeal [DIP] joint) The middle joint of a finger (the proximal interphalangeal [PIP] joint)
what does the following images show?
squaring at the base of thumb
Heberdens nodes at DIP and
Bouchard nodes at PIP
- osteoarthritis of the hand
what usually causes secondary osteoarthritis?
Proceeding injury or trauma repetitive strain
what are some congenital causes of osteoarthritis?
Hip dysplasia or inflammatory arthropathies
a patient presents with:
- pain in the small joints of the hand
- pain increases with the use
- sometimes there clunking and stiffness
- notes some tranient monring stiffness
On examination:
- some slight swelling of the small joints DIP PIP
- no signs of redness or tenderness
when asked about pain relief she notes that paracetamol and Ibruprophen were proven help somewhat what is the most likely diagnosis?
Osteoarthritis
what are the classic symptoms of degenerative arthritis?
Pain increasing with use clicking and clunking of the joints/blocking short lived stiffness symptoms worse in the morning and evening not much swelling around the arthritic joints no signs of clinical inflammation older demographics poorer response to NSAIDs
what does locking in joints affected by arthritis indicate?
Involvement of the cartilage such as a tear or loose body
What investigations should you perform in a ? Osteoarthritis ?
bloods: CRP and ESR to exclude inflammatory cause if you are suspecting rheumatoid arthritis check for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP negative results indicate osteoarthritis x-ray of joints
what classic x-ray findings would you see on the joints affected by osteoarthritis?
osteophytes joint space narrowing sub control sclerosis and cysts
what is the management of osteoarthritis?
Patient education and nonpharmacological measures: weight loss low impact aerobic activity to strengthen muscles pacing of exercise and good footwear thermotherapy with hot or cold patches medical therapy: topical NSAIDs e.g. Dick Cliff Anak analgesia (NSAIDs but be aware in elderly patients and paracetamol make sure to give gastro protection intra-articular corticosteroid injection Surgery: consider joint replacement
what factors would indicate needing joint replacements for osteoarthritis?
Patient been offered and tried at least one nonsurgical treatment osteoarthritis having a substantial impact on quality-of-life and symptoms are refractory to nonsurgical treatment refer for surgery before there is prolonged and established functional limitation and severe pain patient specific factors should not be barriers to referral for joint surgery e.g. smoking obesity EDC give all information required to make an informed decision
what is rheumatoid arthritis?
A chronic inflammatory condition affecting mainly the small joints of the hands feet which must be treated aggressively
what is the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis?
The sign opium becomes inflamed resulting in increased angiogenesis cellular hyperplasia and an influx of inflammatory cells this causes the sign avium to be hyperplastic and hypertrophic
what other characteristic symtpoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Pain which is worse in the morning and eases with use morning cyst stiffness that is prolonged significant swelling over the Sino VM which is hot and red potentially which has a good response to NSAIDs
what features would you find on examination of the hand a patient with rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid nodules over the tendons swan neck deformity boutonieres deformity ulnar deviation
what extra articular features can be present in rheumatoid arthritis?
Scleritis+/- uveitis vascular take rashes and purity chest pain these tend to occur in more severe disease
what does the following images show?
Rheumatoid nodules over the tendons swan neck deformity boutonieres deformity ulnar deviation - rhaumatoid arthritis
What investigations are necessary for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP will be positive (either one or both) X-ray ultrasound scan for synovitis of the wrist and fingers
what features are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis on x-ray?
Erosions at joint margins
how quickly should you to start treatment in a patient who presented symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
within three months of symptoms starting
what treatment is used for rheumatoid arthritis?
Diem ARD such as methotrexate or second-line sulfazine then infliximab – biological agents. Glucocorticoids is used as an adjunct to manage flares they are also used during pregnancy when other treatments are contraindicated and at the start of treatment when methotrexate may not have kicked in
what is a seronegative arthritis?
An arthritis which is present with rheumatoid symptoms/inflammatory arthritis symptoms but has no serological markers (rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP)
what are some examples of seronegative arthritis?
Spondylosis are properties crystalline arthropathy viral arthropathy seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
what is gout?
A syndrome characterised by hyperuricaemia and the deposition of urate crystals causing acute attacks of inflammatory arthritis
what joints does gout usually effect?
First toe foot ankle knee fingers wrist elbow but can be anywhere in the body
what are the risk factors for gout?
male consumption of purines
- found in :red meats, seafood, alcohol especially port
drugs such as aspirin cyclosporine tracolimus and diuretics
what does the image below show?
A tophi - Gout
what is the presentation of gout?
The rapid onset of severe pain joint stiffness swelling and joint effusions joint tenderness
how do you diagnose gout?
Do atheroscentesis with synovial fluid analysis (athough diagnosis can be clinical)
what would atheroscentesis with sinovial fluid analysis show in gout?
strongly negative bi fingant needle shaped crystals under polarised light
apart fromatheroscentesis what other investigations could you perform in gout and what would they show?
Ultrasound scan – erosions trophi and double contour lines uric acid levels – are obtained to weeks after the acute attack and are elevated
how do you manage acute gout?
NSAIDs (colchisine if nsaids CI or corticosteroids if both CI)
how do you manage a recurrent gout?
Allopurinol if recurrence and start 2 – 3 weeks post-attack
what is pseudo-gout?
Depositions of calcium phosphate causing both acute and chronic arthritis
what is the presentation of acute pseudo-gout?
Mimics normal gout
In what joints does pseudo-gout occur?
usually affecting one or more joints of the wrists knees shoulders ankle elbows or hands
What are the risk factors for developing pseudo-gout?
Elderly or younger patients with a metabolic condition such as hyperparathyroidism or haemochromatosis
what is the presentation of chronic pseudo-gout?
mimics osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis as it has varying levels of inflammation
what would atheroscentesis show for pseudo-gout?
bi fringant rhomboid crystals, the fluids are often bloody
what would x-rays show in pseudo-gout?
May show cartilage calcification
in a patient with pseudo-gout, especially younger patients, what further investigations should you perform?
Check for metabolic abnormalities: serum calcium and serum parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism) iron studies (haemochromatosis) serum magnesium and serum alkaline phosphate
what is the management of mono or oligo articular pseudo-gout?
intra-articulate corticosteroids then NSAIDs/colchicine then systemic corticosteroids or joint aspiration
what is the management of poly-articular pseudo-gout?
NSAIDs or colchicine then systemic corticosteroids or joint aspiration
how do you define a chronic spinal injury?
Progressive or permanent interruption of the conduction causing neurological defects lasting over one year
what usually causes chronic spinal injury?
Mechanical trauma compression vascular insult
what are the symptoms of chronic spine injury?
motor weakness loss of fine motor skills spasticity and joint contractures paraesthesia numbness hyperreflexia and ankle clonus/ pathological reflexes as well as sphincter abnormalities - constipaton or incontinence or retention, ED, unsteady gait
what investigations are required in chronic spinal injury?
MRI shows lesions and a vertebra EMG shows conduction abnormalities urodynamic studies and bladder ultrasound for sphincter function and consider other pathologies which may be causing urinary symptoms
what is the management of progressive spinal-cord injury?
Surgical decompression and if there is also gnomic dysregulation remove or treat the stimulus and adjunct vasodilator nifedipine
what are symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia?
increase in blood pressure - occurs at T6 lesion usually caused by excess response to a trigger below the lesion such as impaction or blocked catheter
what is the management of stable chronic spine injury?
Physiotherapy and supportive care bladder and bowel management pain control
what are acute causes of spinal-cord compression?
Trauma or herniation usually in younger patients
What are chronic causes of spinal cord compression?
osteoporotic/osteomyelitic in middle group middle-aged patients or malignancy
what are the symptoms of spinal cord compression?
Back pain weakness or paraesthesia sensory loss hyperreflexia muscle weakness or wasting
what does hyperreflexia mean in a ? Spinal-cord compression?
It is an early sign commonly occurring with malignancy
what word symmetrical sensory loss in spinal-cord compression indicates?
Neuropathy
What types spinal-cord compression?
Spinal shock completed cord transaction neurogenic shock cauda equina central cord compression
what is spinal shock
and initial symptom usually occurring in acute spinal-cord compression where there is loss of reflexes motor paralysis and hyperreflexia these later turn into hyperreflexia and primitive reflexes
what is complete cord transaction?
Occurs in severe spinal injury where there are no preserved nerves can be of the C-spine thoracic lumbar sacral or lumbar thoracic
what would occur in complete transaction of the C-spine?
Quadriplegia respiratory insufficiency loss of bladder and bowel function anaesthesia and neurogenic shock if very high in the C-spine Horner’s syndrome may occur and respiratory muscles will be involved
what would occur in complete transaction of the thoracic spine?
paraparesis and normal functional loss such as bladder and bowel function
what is a neurogenic shock?
Occurs in C-spine and high T spine damage - hypotension and bradycardia warm and dry extremities peripheral vasodilation venous pooling pre-prism and low CO
what is cauda equina?
Occurs mainly due to disk compressions and stenosis of the spinal-cord has saddle anaesthesia bladder retention and leg weakness usually affecting males 40 to 60
how do you investigate spinal-cord compression?
MRI is diagnostic
what is the management of spinal-cord compression?
IV corticosteroids unless infection is causing symptoms - decompression surgery and if there is an infective cause add IV antibiotics - plus VDE prophylaxis fluids and PPI
apart from MRI what other Ix could you order for SCC and why?
PET scan : Cancer/hypermetabolism FBC, ESR, CRP + Cultures : infections (also CSF analysis)
what is spinal-cord stenosis?
a degenerative condition which narrows the spinal canal causing symptoms of neural compression such as cauda equina
what are the causes of spinal-cord stenosis?
Facet joint and ligamentous hypertrophy intervertebral disc protrusion
What is the presentation of spinal-cord stenosis?
Symptoms of neurological claudication such as leg pain when walking pain and weakness in thighs and calves sensational numbness in lower extremities stupid posture when walking as it relieves the symptoms symptoms relieved also by sitting down pain radiating down legs from compressional L4 – L5 a.k.a. sciatica radiculopathy
can spinal-cord stenosis Turn into cauda equina?
yes if left untreated and long-standing
how to diagnose spinal-cord stenosis?
MRI
what is the management of spinal stenosis?
Surgical decompression of the significant neurological defect or analgesia with short-term bed rest and adding PO corticosteroids
what is scoliosis?
Spinal deformity causing abnormal vertical alignment
what are the types of scoliosis?
infantile (0 – 3) juvenile (4 – 9) adolescents (>10y)
what can cause scoliosis?
Spina bifida poliomyelitis also readable Paul C due to abnormal innovation of muscles intrinsic dysfunctional muscles causing imbalanced forces thus curvature congenital vertebral failure to form
what is the presentation of scoliosis?
Postural asymmetry para spinal prominence on bending forward usually no pain and normal neurological exam however sufficient deformity can decrease the racket volume causing shortness of breath and a restrictive pattern as well as right-sided heart failure
how do you investigate scoliosis?
X-ray C-spine T spine L spine and hip MRI if there are any neurological findings Scoliometer to used to measure the angle of the spine
what is the management of scoliosis?
excersise and physio –> brace and excersise —> surgery + monitoring with x ray every 4-12m depending on growth rate
What are the main causes of lower back pain?
Annular tear degenerative disc disease facet joint mediated pain
what makes up an intervertebral disc?
a nucleus filled with Fluid and proteoglycans surrounded by an annular disc the nucleus is not innervated but the annulus is by the Sinovertebral nerve
what is an annular tear?
An acute event involving trauma to the annular disc and following inflammation causing a sudden and acute pain
what is the pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease?
Has both mechanical and genetic factors involving a long-standing inflammation apoptosis and abnormal proteoglycans and collagen and vascular regrowth as well as disordered angiogenesis
what causes facet joint mediated pain?
repeated trauma causing pain through the dorsal primary rami nerve
what is vertebral pain syndrome?
Pain usually caused by osteoarthritis of the neck causing subsequent myelopathy
what is the presentation of vertebral pain syndrome?
Pain in the neck that radiates down to the shoulder ache and discomfort decreased range of motion with no sensory loss or muscle weakness
what should you investigate in vertebral pain of the thoracic spine?
do a CT as it can be indicative of cancer metastases causing fractures
what is Perthes disease?
A disease of the femoral head composing of necrosis collapse repair and remodelling of the femoral head
what is the pathophysiology of Perthes disease?
a singular or multiple vascular events Cause necrosis and collapse of the femoral head there is subsequent revascularisation and remodelling which is in perfect forming a poorly functioning hip and causing pain
who is the typical patient presenting with perthes disease?
male aged 4 – 8 years unilateral hip pain
what is the presentation of perthes disease?
Young male with a limp and decreased range of motion canal short stature and muscle wasting causing positive Trond Ellenberger test synovitis can be present
what investigations are required for perthes disease?
Bilateral hip x-ray – diagnostic ESR and CRP if ?infection and RF is ? RA
what is the management of perthes disease?
Encouraging mobilisation and physiotherapy and once arthritis sets in and they are over 12 hip replacement is required once the hip has reached the skeletal maturity
what is haemarthrosis?
Bleeding into the joint space causing inflammation of the joints
what typically is the cause of haemarthrosis??
haemophilia - either spontaneous or following injury or individuals on warfarin/ other anticoagulants
how do you diagnose haemarthrosis?
x-ray and synovial fluid asirate (blood +++)
what is a consequence of recurrent haemarthrosis?
arthropathy requiring replacement
what is the management of haemarthrosis?
selection of coagulation you can aspirate the joints but this increases rates of infection so it is controversial
what is irritable hip syndrome?
also known as a transient synovitis non-specific inflammation with hypertrophy of the sign opium causing effusion of the hip joint affecting young children and is self-limited
what usually is present in the history of transient synovitis of hip?
recent history of upper respiratory tract infection
what is the presentation of transient synovitis of hip?
Pain which is relieved at rest reduced range of motion pain is better with abduction and external rotation of the hip
what clinical examination is very sensitive for transient synovitis of the hip?
Positive log roll test there as in voluntary muscle guarding of the affected limb
what are diagnostic tests of transient synovitis?
These are usually only performed if you want to rule out septic arthritis perthese malignancy or osteomyelitis Xray, ESR CRP (both slighlty raised) FBC
what is the management of transient synovitis of the hip?
bedrest NSAIDs and paracetamol usually self resolves within a week
what is Tenosynovitis?
Tendon irritation manifesting as pain reduced tendon gliding causing locking and clicking
what is the term for Tenosynovitis of the hand/fingers§?
trigger finger
what is the presentation of trigger finger?
Pain increases with emotion there is painful popping with flexion and extension and a palpable nodule at the level of the metacarpal head
what is the term forTenosynovitis of the wrist?
De quervians disease
what is the presentation of De quervians disease?
pain increases with motion there is tenderness and swelling on the radial aspect of the wrist
how do you diagnose Tenosynovitis?
high resolution ultrasound scan shows a fusion with the tendon sheath thickening
how do you manage Tenosynovitis?
NSAIDs and corticosteroid injection with Lidocaine if that fails surgery splinting is used in all types of Tenosynovitis apart from trigger finger
what does the ulnar nerve innervate in the hand?
The palmar and dorsal aspects of pinky and ring finger see image below
what does the median nerve innervate in the hand?
on the Palomar aspect half of the ring finger middle and index finger as well as most of the thumb, on the dorsal aspect the tips of the thumb index middle and half of the tip of the ring finger - see image below
what does the radial nerve innervate in the hand?
the side of the base of the thumb on the Palomar aspect of the hand on the dorsal aspect of the hand the base of the thumb and base of the index and middle finger see image below
what is carpal tunnel syndrome?
A collection of signs and symptoms caused by the compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel
what type of neuropathy is carpal tunnel?
Mono neuropathy
what is the presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Numbness and tingling and in more advanced cases can cause weakness and clumsiness of the hand there can be pain but that is not the main symptom usually has a gradual onset
what other risk factors associated with carpal tunnel?
Females aged 40 – 60 obesity diabetes pregnancy and repeated strain
when are the symptoms of carpal tunnel worst
usually worse at night
are the reflexes affected in carpal tunnel syndrome?
No they are normal
what investigations are diagnostic for carpal tunnel syndrome?
usually it is a clinical diagnosis however an electromyographic and be used – Shows slowing of the median nerve conduction through the carpal tunnel
what is the management of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Wrist splints –> corticosteroid injections and splints —> surgery
what is Dupatrons contracture?
an inherited disease of progressive fibrosis of the tissue of the palmar facia
what are risk factors for Dupatrons contracture?
males over 40 family history of diabetes mellitus anticonvulsants therapy smoking alcohol trauma
what is the presentation of Dupatrons contracture?
difficulties in the fine movements of the hand with limitations in washing face combing her putting hands in pockets Palomar nodule Palomar thickening tethering puckering or pitting there can be pre-tendinous chords causing joint contracture at the MCP or PIP’s
what is the diagnostic test for Dupatrons contracture?
ultrasound scan of the hand
what is the management ofDupatrons contracture?
No significant functional damage: expectant management with six monthly follow-ups / involvement of MCP < 30°: collagenase injections needle aperneurotomy corticosteroid injections percutaneous fasciotomy/ > 30° involvement or the PIPs involved surgical intervention
What is epicondylitis?
A condition characterised by tenderness at the Ethicon dial associated with repeated forearm and elbow activities
what is the name for epicondylitis of the lateral epicholdyl?
Tennis elbow
what is the name for epicondylitis of the medial epichondyl?
golfers elbow
what is the presentation of tennis elbow?
Tenderness slightly distal and anterior to the lateral epicondyle with pain during resisted wrist and digital extension pain during passive flexion with elbow extended
what is the presentation of golfers elbow?
Tenderness along the medial elbow distally and anteriorly pain on resisted forearm pronation and wrist flexion
is there any sensory or motor deficit associated with epicondylitis?
usually no sensory deficit but grip strength may decrease over time
how do you diagnose epicondylitis?
Clinical diagnosis unless there are abnormal features i.e. nerve conduction if there is a sensory deficit
what are differentials for epicondylitis?
Cubicle tunnel syndrome osteoarthritis radial tunnel syndrome
what is the management of epicondylitis?
Ice and NSAIDs consider using brace/strap if there is no improvement at six weeks give physiotherapy and local anaesthetic ongoing management is surgical
what is osteoporosis?
A complex skeletal disease characterised by low bone density micro-architectural defects in bone tissue causing increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures
what is the function of osteoclasts?
resorption of bone matrix. They create a resorption pits and then cause apoptosis they then signal to osteoblasts
what is the function of osteoblasts?
Build bone. Once osteoclasts have signals the osteoblasts synthesised bone matrix this bone matrix then undergoes mineralisation
what factors influence bone remodelling?
Interleukins colony-stimulating factors parathyroid hormone activated vitamin D calcitonin and oestrogen