MSK clinical conditions

Question 1

kyphosis

Answer 1

Abnormal anterior concavity of the spine -> huchback deformity

Question 2

lordosis

Answer 2

Abnormal posterior concavity of the spine in the lumbar/cervical regions. Normal in pregnancy.

Question 3

Scoliosis

Answer 3

Lateral deviation and some twisting (lateral concavity) of the spine.

Question 4

Compartment syndrome

Answer 4

Increased pressure within an enclosed fascial space. Causes pain and decreased muscle function. Treat with fasciotomy (cut fascia to reduce pressure)

Question 5

Cervical spondylosis

Answer 5

decrease in size of intervertebral foramina -> increased pressure on nerves exiting the spinal cord

Question 6

Slipped disc/ herniated disc

Answer 6

Degeneration: weakened disc due to chemical changed
Prolapse: protrusion of nucleus pulposus, slight impingement into spinal cord
Extrusion: nucleus pulposus breaks through annulus fibrosis but remains within disc space
Sequestration: nucleus pulposus breaks through annulus fibrosis outside of disc space.
Most common in L4/L5 or L5/S1
Posterolateral herniation -> compression of spinal nerve roots
Posterior herniation -> compression of spinal cord
(Deep Penetration Extra Satisfaction)

Question 7

Cauda Equina syndrome

Answer 7

Spinal cord ends near L1/L2 (lumbar puncture can be performed anywhere below this point) and instead there are a bundle of nerve fibres (cauda equina)
Cauda equina syndrome is compression of these lumbar nerves, may be due to a massive disc herniation in the lumbar region. Can lead to permanent paralysis, double foot drop, impaired bladder/bowel control, loss of sexual sensation. Can be permanent.

Question 8

Kyphoscoliosis

Answer 8

Anterior and lateral concavity. Can cause reduced lung capacity, pulmonary hypertension, spinal cord compression

Question 9

Hypotonia

Answer 9

Loss of muscle tone (negative effect on function).

Causes: primary degeneration of muscle, nerve lesions, neural shock, etc

Question 10

Tetanus

Answer 10

Infection causing permanent state of contraction (tetany) due to temporal summation.

Question 11

Amelia

Answer 11

Complete lack of limb (congenital defect)

Question 12

Meromelia

Answer 12

Lack of one particular part of limb

Question 13

Syndactyly

Answer 13

Fusion of 2 or more digits due to lack of apoptosis (webbed hands/feet)

Question 14

Polydactyly

Answer 14

More than the normal number of digits

Question 15

spina bifida

Answer 15

Congenital hole in vertebral column, leaving spinal cord exposed -> nerve damage/infection. Closed with surgery at birth but rare for no nerve damage to have already occurred. Unknown cause but strong risk factor is lack of folic acid during and just before pregnancy

Question 16

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 16

Inflammation of synovial membrane at joints, leading to fibrosis of affected joints (chronic inflammation). Affects mobility and eventually seizes completely (destroys joint). Progression is slowed with steroids

Question 17

Osteoarthritis

Answer 17

Stripping of articular surface (cartilage) from joints due to persistent movement (wear and tear). leads to bones grinding against eachother. Tends to be limited to one class of joints on one side of body (ie. all right MCP joints). Physiotherapy and lifestyle changes help.

Question 18

Sarcopenia

Answer 18

Gradual loss of muscle mass due to ageing. 0.5-1% uscle mass lost each year after 50. Contributes to an increased risk of mortality following a fall/trauma. AKA, frailty syndrome.

Question 19

Cachexia

Answer 19

weakness and wasting of the body due to severe chronic illness