MSK history Flashcards
What are the cardinal presenting complaints in orthopaedics
Something feels wrong- pains, weakness, dysaethesia
Something moves wrong- stiffness, reduced RoM, lip, instability/collapsing, crepitus
Something looks wrong- swelling wasting, discolouration
What are some good easy questions to get the extent of a patients problem
Pain/stiffness in muscles, joint or back
Can you dress yourself?
Can you walk up and down stairs without difficulty
How far can you walk on flat ground?
What is the key question for back pain
Is it easier walking uphill or downhill?
Uphill- spine flexed, better fro spinal stenosis
Downhill-extended spine, better for vascular disease
What are some red flags symptoms of an MSK history?
Severe and worsening pain Night pain disturbing sleep Non mechanical pain General malaise, febrile, rigors Unexplained weight loss, anorexia, night sweats Past history of malignant disease
What allergies are important in MSK?
Penicillin Iodine General anaaesthetic Latex Elastoplast
What is the rapid screening tool used in ortho
G.A.L.S
Gait
Arms
Legs
Spine
What is varus
What is valgus
What is the default position of joints
Excessive inward angulation
Excessive outward angulation
0 degrees
What are the fingers of the hand?
What are the sides of the hand?
Thumb, index, middle, ring and little (never number!)
Radial (thumb) and ulnar (pinky)
Dorsal (back) and volar (palmar)
What should be carried out before an ortho exam
What is the anagram for orthopeadics
X-rays! dont move fracture
Look
Feel
Move
X-ray
What is involved in Look?
Scars, wasting, involuntary movement, fasiculations, tremors
posture
negatives
gait
real and apparent leg length
What is involved in Feel?
Temperature, tenderness, swellings, sensation
What is involved in Move?
Active (range, power), passive, special tests#
lag?
range of movement
crepitus
