MSK differential Dx Flashcards
Signs and symptoms
- pain
- swelling
- decreased ROM
- bony deformity
- asymmetrical
OA
What is Ankylosing spondylitis?
Progressive inflammatory disorder that initially affects the axial skeleton
Where in the body does ankylosing spondylitis initially affect?
axial skeleton
When is the initial onset of ankylosing spondylitis?
before 40 y/o
What are commonly the first symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?
- mid/low back pain
- morning stiffness
- sacroiliitis
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Chronic systemic autoimmune disorder
–> Individuals produce antibodies to their own immunogloulins, such as rheumatoid factor and ACPA.
thought to have genetic etiology
Commonly characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission
When is the avg onset of RA?
40-60 y/o
Signs and symptoms
- bilateral and symmetrical synovial joint involvement
- inflammation
- weight loss
- fever
- extreme fatigue
RA
When is the onset of juvenile RA (JRA)?
before 16 y/o
remission in 75% of cases
What diagnostic tests are used to diagnose RA?
- radiographs
- increased WBCs
- increased ESR
- anemia
- increased Rheumatoid factor
What diagnosis is characterized by decalcification of bones due to vitamin D deficiency?
Osteomalacia
s/s
- severe pain
- Fx
- weakness
- deformities
What diagnosis is characterized by trigger points?
myofascial pain syndrome
What are the histological characteristics of tendinosis/tendinopathy?
- hypercellularity
- hypervascularity
- no indication of inflammatory infiltrates
- loose collagen fibers
When is surgery warranted to treat myositis ossificans?
- Only in patients with hereditary myositis ossificans
- after maturation of the lesion (6-24 months)
- when lesions mechanically interfere with joint movement or cause nerve impingement
What diagnosis is commonly referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)?
CRPS
Thought to be related to trauma or precipitating event
What triggers CRPS I?
Tissue injury
Diagnosis
Dysfunction of sympathetic nervous system including pain, circulation, and vasomotor disturbances WITHOUT nerve injury
CRPS I
What is the difference between CRPS I and II?
CRPS II involves a nerve injury
What medications can be used to treat CRPS?
- antiseizure drugs
- antidepressants
- corticosteroids
- opioids
- topical drugs
What are the long term results of CRPS?
- atrophy and weakness in close proximity to affected area(s)
- skin changes
- osteoporosis
- decreased proprioception
- contractures
- pain
- ## edema
What clinical diagnostic tests are used to diagnose CRPS?
None
What is the common name for Osteitis Deformans?
Paget’s disease
What is Paget’s disease?
Metaobolic bone disease involving abnormal osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity - characterized by initial phase of excessive bone reabsorption followed by a reactive phase of excessive abnormal bone formation
What does Paget’s disease commonly result in?
- spinal stenosis
- facet arthropathy
- possible spinal Fx
New bone structure is fragile and weak. Causes painful deformities of external and internal structures
What is the presentation of torticollis?
SB toward the affected side
+
ROT away from the affected side
Most traumatic GH instability occurs in what direction of dislocation?
anteroinferior
(true/false) Posterior dislocations of the GH joint are common
FALSE
What is a hill-sachs lesion?
compression Fx of posterior humeral head
What is a bankart lesion?
avulsion of anteroinferior capsule and glenoid labrum
(true or false) Immobilization for a greater tuberosity fracture is not needed
True
With what diagnoses is adhesive capsulitis most common?
DM and thyroid disease
What is de-quervain’s synovitis?
inflammation/degeneration of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons
located in first dorsal compartment
What causes de-quervains synovitis?
Repetitive microtrauma or complication of swelling during pregnancy
What action can relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel?
Shaking hands
What interventions are allowed to treat de-quervain’s synovitis?
- heat
- microwave diathermy
- IFC
What is the most common wrist fracture?
Colle’s
Dorsal dislocation fx of radius (Dinner Fork deformity)
How long are colle’s fractures immobilized for?
5-8 weeks
What are complications of a colle’s fracture?
Median nerve impingement caused by excessive edema
What is the most common carpal to be fractured?
Scaphoid
What wrist pathology has a “garden spade” deformity?
smith’s Fx
Anterior dislocation fx of the radius
How long are carpals immobilized after a scaphoid fx?
4-8 wks
What special tests can be positive in the presence of ITB tightness/syndrome?
- Noble compression test
- Ober’s test
- Palpation over ITB insertion
- excessive hip IR in stance phase
Most people with trochanteric bursitis also have what?
RA
What is the common cause for coxa vara and coxa valga?
Necrosis of femoral head occurring from septic arthritis
What degree of hip ER is indicative of possible piriformis syndrome?
< 60 degrees
When does the piriformis become an interal rotator and abductor of the hip?
90 degrees of hip FLX
Signs and symptoms
- acute or gradual onset of pain in the groin
- pathology with 1+ of the following: adductors, iliopsoas, inguinal, pubic
sports hernia
What are the 6 P’s of acute compartment syndrome?
- pain
- pallor
- paresis
- parasthesia
- palpable tenderness
- pulselessness
(true/false) Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency requiring an emergent fasciotomy
true
What is the cause of acute compartment syndrome?
direct trauma and/or fracture
What is the most common LE compartment to experience chronic exertional compartment syndrome?
anterior
results in anterolateral pain and possible paresthesia
(true/false) Medial ankle ligaments are commonly sprained
FALSE
lateral is more common
What is medial tibial stress syndrome?
Overuse injury of the posterior tibialis and/or medial soleus resulting in periosteal inflammation at muscle attachment sites
What are the criteria for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome?
- age > 45 y/o
- shaking hands relieves symptoms
- sensory loss in thumb
- wrist ratio index > .67
- CTQ-SSS score is > 1/9
What digits are commonly affected by dupuytren’s contracture in those with diabetes?
3rd and 4th digits
What digits are commonly affected by dupuytren’s contracture in those without diabetes?
4th and 5th digits
Describe boutionniere deformity.
Rupture of central tendinous slip of the extensor hood – MCP EXT, PIP FLX, DIP EXT
What commonly causes boutionniere deformity?
- trauma
- RA w/ central extensor tendon degeneration
Describe swan neck deformity.
MCP FLX, PIP EXT, DIP FLX
Results from contracture of intrinsic mm with dorsal subluxation of lateral extensor tendons
When does swan neck deformity commonly occur?
- Trauma
- RA w/ degeneration of lateral extensor tendons
Describe Ape hand deformity.
Muscle wasting of thenar eminence - parallel to 2nd digit
Describe mallet finger.
DIP FLX due to avulsion of extensor tendon
Caused by trauma forcing the digit into FLX
What is another name for Flexor digitorum profundus tendon rupture?
Jersey finger
Describe jersey finger.
DIP hyperEXT
Caused by excessive hyperEXT w/ maximal finger FLX contraction
What digit commonly experiences jersey finger?
Ring finger
Describe gamekeeper’s thumb
Sprain/rupture of UCL in the 1st digit MCP joint – medial instability of the thumb
Describe boxer’s Fx?
5th metacarpal Fx (at the neck)
casted for 2-4 wks
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is frequently associated with what other pathology?
Labral tear
What combined movements cause the unhappy triad?
ACL, MCL, medial meniscus injury
- Valgus
- FLX
- ER
When foot is planted
What combination of movements can cause Meniscal injury?
- ROT
- FLX
- compression
When can NMES be used for ACL sprains?
6-8 weeks after ACL reconstruction
When can concentric and eccentric exercises start after ACL reconstruction?
4-6 wks for up to 10 months
What are the criteria used for diagnosis of meniscal tear?
- twisting injury
- tearing sensation
- delayed effusion - Hx of catching/locking
- pain with HyperEXT
- pain with max. FLX
- (+) McMurrays
- (+) Thessaly’s
- joint line tenderness
What is PFPS a result of?
Elevated patellofemoral joint loading caused by one or more of the following:
1. trauma
2. biomechanics
3. muscle tightness
4. muscle weakness
Can also be assoc. with patellar tendinopathy and/or chondromalacia patellae
What is another name for “Fat pad syndrome of the knee”?
Hoffa’s syndrome
What is jumper’s knee?
Patellar tendinosis/tendinopathy
degenerative condition of patellar tendon; commonly deep aspect
What commonly causes pes anserine bursitis?
- Overuse
- contusion
What criteria should be used for diagnosis of PFPS?
- retropatellar or peripatellar pain
- reproduction of pain with squatting, stairs, prolonged sitting, or other loading activities
- exclusion of other possible dx
What femoral condyle is commonly fractured?
Medial
What are the Ottawa Knee rules?
- age > 55 y/o
- isolated patellar tenderness
- TTP of fibular head
- Unable to perform Knee FLX > 90 degrees
- Unable to WB immediately after injury and in ED
What are the Ottawa knee and ankle rules used for?
To rule-in the need for XR series
What is the common MOI for tibial plateau Fx?
combination of valgus and compression during knee FLX
What is the common MOI for epiphyseal plate Fx?
WB torsional stress
Most stress Fx occur in what LE bone?
Tibia
What is a grade I lateral ankle sprain?
- no loss of function
- minimal tearing of ATFL
- minimal tearing of calcaneofiular ligaments
What is a grade II lateral ankle sprain?
- some loss of function
- partial disruption of ATFL and CF ligaments
What is a grade III lateral ankle sprain?
- complete loss of function
- complete rupture of ATFL and CF ligaments
- partial tear of PTFL
What are the ottawa foot rules?
- TTP base of 5th metatarsal
- TTP at navicular
- Inability to take 4 steps immediately after and in ED
What causes tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- excessive pronation
- overuse resulting in tendonitis of long flexor and posterior tibialis tendon
- trauma
Entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel
Signs and symptoms
Experiencing the following along the medial ankle to the plantar surface of the foot:
- parasthesia
- pain
- numbness
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
What test can be used to rule-in tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Tinel’s sign
What tendinopathy is commonly seen in ballet dancers?
Flexor hallucis tendinopathy
What is the deformity observation for pes cavus (hollow foot)?
- Increase longitudinal arch
- drop of anterior arch
- metatarsal heads lower than hindfoot
- PF and splaying of forefoot
- claw toes
What is the deformity observation for equinus?
foot PF
what is the cause of equinus?
- congenital bone deformity
- neuro disorders (Ex: CP)
- triceps surae contracture
- trauma
- inflammatory disease
What is observed with hallux valgus?
- medial deviation of 1st metatarsal
- 1st metatarsal head and base move medially
- 1st distal phalanx moves laterally
What is metatarsalgia?
Inflammation of the plantar aspect of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal heads
What is charcot-marie tooth disease?
peroneal muscular atrophy affecting the sensory and motor nerves
(true/false) In progressive stages of charcot-marie tooth disease can affect the muscles of the hands and forearms
true
Signs and symptoms
- bilateral paresthesia and pain in back, buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet
stenosis
What movement increases pain when stenosis is present?
- EXT
- ipsilateral SB
- ipsilateral ROT
- walking
What movement decreases pain when stenosis is present?
- FLX
- prolonged rest
- activity modification
What medications are used for stenosis and disc conditions?
- NSAIDS
- acetominophen
- corticosteroids
- muscle relaxants
- trigger point injections
What degree of FLX should the cervical spine be placed in to provide optimum IV foraminal opening?
15 degrees
What are contraindications for Traction when treating stenosis?
- pregnancy
- hypermobility
- RA
- down syndrome
- systemic diseases affecting ligament integrity
Signs and symptoms
- constant, deep, aching pain in back
- increased pain with movement in back
- referred LE pain
- no neuro findings
IV disc disruption
annulus is disrupted but external structures are not
Why is herniation in the posterolateral aspect most common?
- posterior disc is narrow in height
- PLL is not as strong as ALL
- posterior lamellae of annulus is thinner
Where in the spine is central posterior herniation commonly observed?
cervical spine
(true/false) Those with central posterior herniation experience CNS symptoms
True
What movement is most comfortable in patients with facet entrapment?
FLX
What are the early signs and symptoms of whiplash injury?
- HA
- neck pain
- limited movement
- reversal of lower cervical spine lordosis
- decreased upper cervical kyphosis
- vision and hearing changes
- noise and light irritability
- nausea
- swallowing difficulty
- emotional lability
What are the later symptoms of whiplash injury?
- chronic head and neck pain
- decreased ROM
- TMJ dysfunction
- disequilirium
- anxiety and depression
What are the primary bone tumors?
- multiple myeloma
- Ewing’s sarcoma
- malignant lymphoma
- chondrosarcoma
- osteosarcoma
- chondromas
What are the primary sites of metastatic bone cancer?
- lungs
- prostate
- breast
- kidney
- thyroid
What are s/s of esophageal cancer?
- referred back pain
- pain with swallowing
- dysphagia
- weight loss
What does pain radiate in the presence of pancreatic cancer?
deep, gnawing pain radiating to the chest and back
signs and symptoms
Mid-epigastric pain radiating to the back
acute pancreatitis
signs and symptoms
- abrupt, severe RUQ pain
- N/V
- fever
Cholecystitis
Definition
Angle made by the foot with respect to a straight line plotted in the direction the child is walking
Foot progression angle (gait angle)
Definition
Angle between the axis of the foot and thigh measure with the child prone and knees at 90 degrees
Thigh-foot angle
What does the thigh-foot angle describe?
angle of tibial torsion
In what position is toe-in/pigeon toe most prominent?
W sitting
What are the 3 types of deformity causing pigeon toe?
- metatarsus adductus
- internal tibial torsion
- increased femoral anteversion (25-30 degrees FWD)
What is the most common congenital foot deformity?
Metatarsus adductus
Greater in females and on the L side
What is talipes equinovarus?
“Clubfoot”
- PF
- midtarsal ADD
- subtalar, talocalcaneal, talonavicular, and calcaneofibular INV
Cause: intrauterine malpositioning - abnormal development of head and neck of the talus
What is genu valgum?
Excessive lateral tibial torsion and patellar positioning
(“Knock knees”)
What is genu varum?
excessive medial tibial torsion
(“Bow-legs”)