MSK Clinical Conditions Flashcards
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
The apex of the axilla region is an opening between the clavicle, first rib and the scapula. In this apex, the vessels and nerves may become compressed between the bones – this is called thoracic outlet syndrome.
What is axillary lymph node enlargement in women an indicator of?
Non-specific indicator of breast cancer
What are some common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome?
Common causes of TOS are trauma (e.g fractured clavicle) and repetitive (seen commonly in occupations that require lifting of the arms)
How does an individual with thoracic outlet syndrome present?
Individual often presents with pain in the affected limb, (where the pain is depends on what nerves are affected), tingling, muscle weakness and discolouration
About how much of the lymph from the breast drains into the axillary lymph node?
Approximately 75% of lymph from the breast drains into the axilla lymph nodes
Why might the lymph in the axillary lymph node be biopsied?
Approximately 75% of lymph from the breast drains into the axilla lymph nodes, so can be biopsied if breast cancer is suspected
If breast cancer is confirmed in a patient who has excessive lymph in their axillary lymph node what is the first step in their treatment?
If breast cancer is confirmed, the axillary nodes may need to be removed to prevent the cancer spreading. This is known as axillary clearance.
During axillary clearance, what nerve may be damaged and what is the result of this?
Long thoracic nerve
Winged scapula
What is the clinical relevance of the cubital fossa and blood pressure?
Brachial artery
The brachial pulse can be felt by palpating immediately medial to the biceps tendon in the cubital fossa. When measuring blood pressure, this is also the location in which the stethoscope must be placed, to hear the korotkoff sounds
What is the clinical relevance of the cubital fossa and venepuncture?
The median cubital vein is located superficially within the roof of the cubital fossa. It connects the basilic and cephalic veins, and can be accessed easily – this makes it a common site for venepuncture
What is a supraepicondylar fracture?
It is a transverse fracture, spanning between the two epicondyles.
When does a supraepicondylar fracture occur?
A supraepicondylar fracture occurs by falling on a flexed elbow
How does a supraepicondylar fracture affect the cubital fossa?
The displaced fracture fragments may impinge and damage the contents of the cubital fossa.
What happens as a result of a supraepicondylar fracture?
Direct damage, or post-fracture swelling can cause interference to the blood supply of the forearm from the brachial artery. The resulting ischaemia can cause Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture –
What artery is damaged in a supraepicondylar fracture?
Brachial artery
What is Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture and what causes it?
Uncontrolled flexion of the hand, as flexors muscles become fibrotic and short
Ischaemia as a result of a supraepicondylar fracture can cause it
What nerves may be damaged in a supraepicondylar fracture?
Median and radial nerve
What is the carpal tunnel syndrome?
Compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel can cause carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It is the most common mononeuropathy and can be caused by thickened ligaments and tendon sheaths
What is the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Mostly unknown (idiopathic) Trauma Rheumatoid arthritis Acromegaly Myxoedema Pregnancy
Others are diabetes neoplasm amyloidoses
If untreated, what will carpal tunnel syndrome cause?
Weakness and atrophy of the thenar muscles
How will a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome present?
Numbness, tingling and pain in the distribution of the median nerve.
The pain will usually radiate to the forearm.
Symptoms are often associated with waking the patient from their sleep and being worse in the mornings.
What two tests can be performed during physical examination, when suspecting carpal tunnel syndrome?
Tapping the nerve in the carpal tunnel to elicit pain in median nerve distribution (Tinel’s Sign)
Holding the wrist in flexion for 60 seconds to elicit numbness/pain in median nerve distribution (Phalen’s manoeuvre)
What treatment is available for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Treatment involves the use of a splint, holding the wrist in dorsiflexion overnight to relieve symptoms. If this is unsuccessful, corticosterioid injections into the carpal tunnel can be used. In severe case, surgical decompression of the carpal tunnel may be required.
What pulse can be palpated in the anatomical snuff box?
The radial pulse can be palpated in some individuals by placing two fingers on the proximal portion of the anatomical snuffbox.