MSK Pathology Flashcards
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) Degenerative osteoarthritis (OA)
Degeneration of articular cartilage with hypertrophy of subchondral bone and joint capsule of weight-bearing joints
Meds: corticosteroids, NSAIDs, glucocorticoid injections, acetaminophen (mild pain)
Diagnostic tests: plain film (diminished joint space, decreased height of articular cartilage, osteophytes) and lab tests (rule out RA)
PT GOALS:
joint protection strategies
Ankylosing spondylitis
Marie-Strumpell disease, Bechterew’s disease, rheumatoid spondylitis
Progressive inflammatory disorder that initially affects the axial skeleton
Initial onset before 4th decade; men 3x more
First sx = mild and low back pain, morning stiffness and sacroilitis (3+ months duration)
Leads to kyphotic deformity of CS/TS and decreased lumbar lordosis
Degeneration of peripheral and costovertebral joints in advanced stages
Meds: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors
Diagnostic tests: HLA-B27 antigen
PT GOALS:
flexibility exercises
relaxation activities–breathing strategies
Gout
Genetic disorder of purine metabolism –> elevated serum uric acid (hyperuricemia) which forms crystals that deposit in peripheral joints (knee/great toe) and other tissues (kidneys)
Meds: NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, colchicine, corticosteroids, ACTH, allopurinol, probenecid and sulfinpyrazone
Diagnostic tests: lab tests identify monosodium rate crystals in synovial fluid and/or connective tissue samples
PT GOALS:
pt education for injury prevention
Psoriatic arthritis
Chronic, erosive inflammatory disorder (digits and axial skeleton) associated with psoriasis
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers (BRMs)–Enbrel
Diagnostic tests: lab tests rule out RA
PT GOALS:
joint protection strategies
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Chronic systemic disorder in a symmetrical pattern of dysfunction in synovial tissues and articular cartilage of hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankle and feet
Women 2x more than men
**MCP/PIP: panes formation (inflamm granulation tissue covering joint surface), ulnar drift, volar subluxation of MCP
**swan neck and boutonniere deformity, Bouchard’s nodes (excess bone formation on dorsal PIP)
JRA: onset
Osteoporosis
Metabolic disease that depletes bone mineral density/mass predisposing individual to fracture
Women 10x > men
Common fracture sites: TS/LS, femoral neck, proximal humerus/tibia, pelvis, distal radius
Primary = decreased estrogen production
Senile = decreased bone cell activity due to genetics or acquired abnormalities
Meds: calcium, vitamin D, estrogen, calcitonin, and biophosphonates
Diagnostic tests: CT, single and dual photon absorptiometry
PT GOALS:
joint/bone protection strategies
Osteomalacia
Decalcification of bones due to vitamin D deficiency
Sx: severe pain, fractures, weakness, deformities
Meds: calcium, vitamin D, vitamin D injections (calciferol–vitamin D2)
Diagnostic tests: plain film, lab tests, bone scan, bone biopsy
PT GOALS:
joint/bone protection strategies
Osteomyelitis
Inflammatory response within bone caused by infection (staphylococcus aureus)
Children and immunosuppressed adults (male)
Meds: antibiotics, proper nutrition, surgery if spreads to joints
Diagnostic tests: lab tests (infection), bone biopsy
PT GOALS:
joint/bone protection strategies and cast care
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
Congenital deformity of skeleton and soft tissues limiting joint motion and “sausage-like” appearance of limbs; normal intelligence
Diagnostic tests: plain films
PT GOALS:
joint/bone protection strategies
pt education regarding adaptive devices
flexibility exercises
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Inherited disorder (autosomal dominant) leading to abnormal collagen synthesis creating imbalance between bone deposition and reabsorption Cortical and cancellous bone become thin leading to fractures/deformity of WB bones
Meds: calcium, vitamin D, estrogen, calcitonin and biophosphonates
Diagnostic tests: bone scan and plain film, serological testing
PT GOALS:
joint/bone protection strategies
Osteochondritis dissecans
Separation of articular cartilage from underlying bone (osteochondral fracture) usually medial femoral condyle near intercondylar notch or humeral capitellum
Surgery indicated if displaced
Diagnostic test: pain film or CT scan
PT GOALS:
joint/bone protection strategies
flexibility exercises
Myofascial pain syndrome
“Trigger point”: focal point of irritability within a muscle; taut, palpable band within muscle
Active = tender, referral pattern of pain when provoked
Latent = palpable taut bands, not tender, can become active
Onset: sudden overload, overstitching and/or repetitive/sustained muscle activities
Medical intervention: dry needling, injection of analgesic, corticosteroid
PT GOALS:
flexibility exercises
manual therapy: soft tissue, jt mobs, “spray and stretch” technique, dry needling, modalities and manual pressure
strength, power and endurance exercises
Tendonosis/Tendonopathy
Common tendon dysfunction (supraspinatus, common extensor tendon of elbow, patella, Achille’s tendon)
Histological charac: hypercellularity, hypervascularity, no inflammatory infiltrates, poor organization/loosening of collagen fibrils
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and/or steroid injection
Diagnostic tests: possibly MRI
PT GOALS: flexibility exercises manual therapy: soft tissue and joint mobs endurance and strengthening (ECCENTRIC) modalities pt education for IADLs
Bursitis
Inflammation of bursa due to overuse, trauma, gout or infection
S/S: pain with rest, limited motion due to pain (non-capsular pattern)
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and/or steroid injection
PT GOALS: flexibility exercises manual therapy: soft tissue and joint mobs modalities pt education for IADLs
Muscle strains
Inflammatory response within muscle due to micro tearing of musculotendinous fibers
Pain and tenderness within muscle
Meds: acetaminophen and/or NSAIDs
Diagnostic tests: MRI if necessary
PT GOALS: flexibility exercises manual therapy: soft tissue and joint mobs modalities pt education for IADLs
Myositis ossificans
Painful condition of abnormal calcification within muscle belly (quadriceps, brachial and biceps brachii) due to direct trauma leading to a hematoma and calcification
**Can be induced by early mobilization and stretching
Meds: acetaminophen and/or NSAIDs
Surgery: if nonhereditary and after maturation of the lesion (6-24 months) when lesions interfere with joint movement or impinge on nerves
Diagnostic tests: plain films, CT scan or MRI
PT GOALS:
flexibility exercises
manual therapy: soft tissue and joint mobs
NOTE: avoid aggressive soft tissue/massage techniques which may worsen condition
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Dysfunction of SNS: pain, circulation and vasomotor disturbances
CRPS I: frequently triggered by tissue injury; its with above sx but no underlying nerve injury
CRPS II: same sx but clearly associated with a nerve injury
Medical intervention: sympathetic nerve block, surgical sympathectomy, spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal drug pumps
Meds: topical analgesics, anti seizure drugs, antidepressants, corticosteroids and opioids
Long term changes: muscle wasting, trophic skin changes, decreased bone density, decreased proprioception, loss of muscle strength from disuse and joint contractors
PT GOALS: pt education for injury prevention/reduction desensitization activiies flexibility exercises TENS for pain relief
Paget’s disease
osteitis deformans
Metabolic bone disease involving abnormal osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity leading to spinal stenosis, facet arthropathy and possible spinal fracture
Unknown etiology: possibly viral infection and/or environmental
Meds: acetaminophen, calcitonin and etidronate disodium (limit osteoclastic activity)
Diagnostic test: plain film, lab tests (increased serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyporline)
PT GOALS:
joint/bone protection strategies
Idiopathic scoliosis
Structural: irreversible lateral curvature of spine with a rotational component
Nonstructural: reversible lateral curvature of spine without rotational component and straightening as individual flexes spine
Intervention (structural): bracing and possible surgery (Harrington rods placement)
45 deg: surgery
Diagnostic test: plain film (full-length Cobb’s method), CT scan and/or MRI to rule out associated conditions
PT GOALS:
flexibility exercises
application/pt education with orthoses
Torticollis
Spasm and/or tightness of sternocleidomastoid
SB toward and rotation away from affected SCM
Meds: acetaminophen, muscle relaxants and/or NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
flexibility exercises
manual therapy: soft tissue, joint mobs
Glenohumeral Subluxation and Dislocation
95% in anterior-inferior direction: when abducted UE is forcefully ER causing tearing of the inferior GH ligament, anterior capsule and occasionally glenoid labrum
Posterior dislocation: horizontal add and IR
Complications:
Hill-Sachs lesion: compression fracture of posterior humeral head
SLAP lesion: tearing of superior glenoid labrum from anterior to posterior
Bankart’s lesion: avulsion of anteroinferior capsule and ligaments associated with glenoid rim
Bruising of axillary nerve
Following surgical repair: AVOID apprehension position (flexion>90, horiz abd>90, ER to 80)
Diagnostic tests: plain film, CT scan, MRI
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
joint mobs
exercise focused on regaining scapulothoracic, GH stabilization and muscular re-ed
Instability (Shoulder)
Traumatic: young throwing athletes
Atraumatic: congenitally loose connective tissue around shoulder
Popping/clicking and repeated dislocation/subluxation of shoulder
Unstable injuries require surgery
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
return of function without pain
POST SURGERY:
Sling 3-4 wks
After 6 wks: sports-specific training
Full fitness: 3-4 months
Labral Tears
Superior: toward the top of glenoid socket
Inferior: toward bottom of glenoid socket
SLAP: tear of rim above middle of socket that may also involve biceps tendon
Bankart’s lesion: tear of rim below middle of glenoid socket
S/S: Pain cannot be localized Pn incr with OH activities or arm behind back Weakness Instability Pn on resisted flexion of biceps Tenderness over front of shoulder
Diagnostic tests: MRI arthrogram, “gold” standard: arthroscopic surgery
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
POST SURGERY:
Sling 3-4 wks
After 6 wks: sports-specific training
Full fitness: 3-4 months
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
Compression of neuromuscular bundle (brachial plexus, subclavian A/V, vagus and phrenic nerves and sympathetic trunk)
Common areas of compression: Superior thoracic outlet Scalene triangle Between clavicle and first rib Between p. minor and thoracic wall
Surgery: remove cervical rib or release anterior and/or middle scalene
Diagnostic tests: plain film, MRI, EMG
Special tests: Adson’s, Roo’s, Wright, Costoclavicular
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
Postural re-ed
Manipulations (first rib)
Acromioclavicular and Sternoclavicular joint disorders
MOI: fall onto shoulder with UE add OR collision with another individual in a sporting event
Acute phase: UE pos. in neutral in a sling; AVOID shoulder elevation
Diagnostic tests: plain film
Special tests: Shear test
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
manual therapy: soft tissue, joint mobs
Subacromial and Subdeltoid Bursitis
Subacromial and sub deltoid bursae (may be continuous) have close relationship to RC tendons–susceptible to overuse
Impinged under acromial arch
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
Rotator Cuff Tendonosis/Tendonopathy
Relatively poor blood supply near insertion of muscles makes them more susceptible
Mechanical impingement of distal attachment of rotator cuff on anterior acromion and/or coracoacromial ligament with repetitive overhead activities
Diagnostic test: MRI
Special tests: Supraspinatus tet, Neer’s impingement test
Meds: Acetaminophen, NSAIDs
Impingement Syndrome
Soft tissue inflammation of shoulder from impingement against acromion with repetitive overhead AROM
Diagnostic tests: arthrogram or MRI
Special tests:
Neer’s impingement test
Supraspinatus test
Drop arm test
Surgical repair: AVOID shoulder elevation >90
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
restoration of posture
joint mobs
Internal (Posterior) Impingement
Irritation between the RC and greater tuberosity or posterior glenoid and labrum
Overhead athletes
Pain in posterior shoulder
Special test: Posterior internal impingement test
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
joint mobs
Bicipital Tendonosis/Tendonopathy
Inflammation of long head of biceps
Mechanical impingement of proximal tendon between anterior acromion and bicipital groove of humerus
Diagnostic test: MRI
Special test: Speed’s test
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
Proximal humeral fractures
Fall onto an outstretched UE among older osteoporotic women
Diagnostic test: plain film
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
joint mobs
early PROM to prevent capsular adhesions
Adhesive capsulitis
Frozen shoulder
Restriction in shoulder motion as a result of inflammation and fibrosis of the shoulder capsule due to disuse or repetitive microtrauma
*Capsular pattern: ER > abd & flex > IR
Common with diabetes mellitus
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
joint mobs
Elbow Contractures
Loss of motion in capsular pattern (flex>ext)
Loss of motion in non capsular pattern: loose body, ligamentous sprain and/or CRPS
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
joint mobs
soft tissue techniques
splinting (for capsular restrictions)
Lateral Epicondylosis/Epicondylopathy
Chronic degenerative condition of ECRB at its proximal attachment on lateral epicondyle
Onset is gradual with repetitive wrist extension or strong grip with wrist extended
RULE OUT involvement/relationship to cervical spine condition
Special test: Lateral epicondylitis test
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS: ECCENTRIC exercise joint mobs education regarding prevention modalities counterforce bracing to reduce forces on ECRB
Medial Epicondylosis/Epicondylopathy
Degenerative condition of the pronator teres and flexor carpi radials tendons at their attachment to the medial epicondyle of the humerus
Overuse with strong hand grip and excessive pronation of the forearm
Special test: medial epicondylitis test
PT GOALS: ECCENTRIC exercise joint mobs education regarding prevention modalities
Distal Humeral Fractures
Complications: loss of motion, myositis ossificans, malalignment, neuromuscular compromise, ligamentous injury, CRPS
Supracondylar fractures: examine quickly for neuromuscular status (radial nerve involvement) may lead to Volkmann’s ischemia; youth: growth plate; high incidence of malunion
Lateral epicondyle fractures: young people, require ORIF to ensure alignment
Diagnostic test: plain film
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
pain reduction, reduce inflammation
flexibility exercises
Osteochondrosis of humeral capitellum
Osteochondritis dissecans: central and/or lateral aspect of capitellum or radial head
- Osteochondral bone fragment becomes detached from articular surface forming a loose body in the joint
- Repetitive compressive forces between radial head and humeral capitellum
- 12-15 years old
Ulnar collateral ligament injuries
Repetitive valgus stresses to medial elbow with overhead throwing
S/S:
pn along medial elbow at distal insertion of lig
paresthesias in ulnar nerve distribution
Diagnostic test: MRI
Special test: medial ligament instability test, Tinel’s sign
Meds: acetaminophen and NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
initial: rest and pain management
later: strength elbow flexors, taping
Ulnar nerve entrapment
Direct trauma at cubital tunnel
Traction due to laxity at medial elbow
Compression due to thickened retinaculum
Hypertrophy of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle
Recurrent subluxation or dislocation
DJD affecting cubital tunnel
S/S: medial elbow pain, paresthesias in ulnar distribution
Diagnostic test: EMG
Special Test: Tinel’s sign
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, Neurontin
PT GOALS:
early: rest, avoiding activities, modalities, soft tissue
neurodynamic mobilization
protective padding and night splints
Median nerve entrapment
Pronator teres muscle and under superficial head of flexor digitorum superficial with repetitive gripping activities
S/S: aching pain with weakness of forearm muscles
Diagnostic test: EMG
Special Test: Tinel’s sign with paresthesias in median nerve distribution
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, Neurontin
PT GOALS:
early: rest, avoiding activities, modalities, soft tissue
neurodynamic mobilization
protective padding and night splints
Radial nerve entrapment
Distal branches (posterior interosseous nerve) within radial tunnel (radial tunnel syndrome) due to overhead activities and throwing
S/S:
lateral elbow pain that can be confused with lat epicondylitis
pain over supinator muscle
paresthesias in radial nerve distribution
Diagnostic test: EMG
Special Test: Possible Tinel’s sign
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, Neurontin
PT GOALS:
early: rest, avoiding activities, modalities, soft tissue
neurodynamic mobilization
protective padding and night splints
Elbow dislocations
Posterior: position of olecranon relative to humerus; cause avulsion fractures of medial epicondyle due to pull of MCL
Posterolateral: most common due to elbow hyperextension from a FOOSH
Anterior/radial head: 1-2%
Complete dislocation: UCL will rupture, possible rupture of anterior capsule, LCL, brachialis muscle, and/or wrist flex/ext mm
S/S: rapid swelling, severe elbow pain and deformity with olecranon pushed posterior
Diagnostic tests: plain film
Meds: acetaminophen and NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
initial: reduction of dislocation
if stable: initial phase of immobilization
if not stable: surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Repetitive stress syndrome
Compression of median nerve at carpal tunnel of wrist due to inflammation of flexor tendons and/or median nerve
Occurs with repetitive wrist motions or gripping, pregnancy, diabetes and RA
*RULE OUT cervial spine dysfunction, TOS or peripheral nerve entrapments
Diagnostic test: EMG
S/S:
exacerbation of burning, tingling, pins/needles
numbness in median nerve distribution at night
Long term: atrophy/weakness of thenar mm and lateral 2 lumbricals
Special test: Tinel’s sign, Phalen’s test
Meds: acetaminophen and NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
joint mobs
soft tissue
DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis
Inflammation of extensor policies brevis and abductor policies longus tendons at first dorsal compartment due to microtrauma or swelling during pregnancy
Diagnostic test: MRI
S/S:
pain at anatomical snuffbox
swelling
decreased grip and pinch strength
Special test: Finkelstein’s test
Meds: acetaminophen and NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
joint mobs
soft tissue
Colles’ fracture
Most common, due to a FOOSH
Immobilized 5-8 wks
Complication of median nerve compression with excessive edema
“Dinner fork” deformity: dorsal or posterior displacement of radius, with a radial shift of wrist and hand
Diagnostic test: plain film
Complications: decreased motion, grip strength, CRPS, carpal tunnel syndrome
Meds: acetaminophen, NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
early: normalizing flexibility
joint mobs
soft tissue
Smith’s fracture
Distal fragment of radius dislocates in a volar direction causing a “garden spade” deformity
Diagnostic test: plain film
Meds: acetaminophen and NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
early: normalizing flexibility
joint mobs
soft tissue
Scaphoid fracture
Most commonly fracture carpal bone; FOOSH in a younger person
Diagnostic test: plain film
Complications: avascular necrosis of proximal fragment of scaphoid due to poor vascular supply
Immobilized 4-8 weeks
Meds: acetaminophen and NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
early: maintenance of flexibility in distal/proximal joints while UE is casted
later: strength, stretching, soft tissue/joint mobs
Dupuytren’s contracture
Banding on palm and digit flexion contractors due to contracture of plamar fascia that adheres to skin
Men > women
Contractures:
MCP and PIP of 4th/5th digits (nondiabetics)
MCP and PIP of 3rd/4th digits (diabetics)
Meds: acetaminophen and NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
flexibility and splints
post-surgery: wound management, edema control and progression of exercise
Boutonniere deformity
Rupture of central tendinous slip of extensor hood following trauma or with RA
MCP extension
DIP extension
PIP flexion
Meds: acetaminophen and NSAIDs
PT GOALS:
edema management
flexibility
splinting or taping