MSK Red Flags

Question 1

What % of MSK Pain Disorder are Red flags?

Answer 1

1-2%

Question 2

Name the 8 Red Flag Disorders

Answer 2

• Myelopathy
• Cervical Artery Dysfunction
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Malignancy
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Infection
• Fractures
• Cauda Equina

Question 3

Define Myelopathy

Answer 3

Myelopathy is a term used to describe any neurological deficit related to the spinal cord. It is usually due to compression of the spinal cord.

Most commonly seen in the cervical spine.

(Extra info to help understand: a pt could have a spinal stenosis but if they have no neurological symptoms or pain its just a stenosis. as soon as they have neuro symptoms it become myelopathy)

Question 4

Name some signs and symptoms of myelopathy

Answer 4

• muscle weakness
• altered muscle tone
• sensory loss
• impaired coordination
• gait disturbances
• spinal pain
• urinary disturbances

Question 5

Define Cervical Artery Dysfunction

Answer 5

CAD is an umbrella term used to cover a range of vascular pathologies which can lead to cervio-cranial ischaemia.
These pathologies include: Vasospasm, atherosclerosis, temporal arteritis & arterial dissection

Question 6

Define Deep Vein Thrombosis

Answer 6

DVT is a type of venous thrombosis involving the formation of a blood clot in the deep vein. Most commonly seen in the legs and pelvis

Question 7

Define Inflammatory Disorders and name one most commonly seen in physio

Answer 7

Inflammatory Disorders is when the immune system mistakenly attacks the bodys own cells or tissues. this abnormal inflammation can result in chronic pain, swelling, stiffness and damage to healthy tissues.

Common Disorder is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Question 8

Define Infection

Answer 8

Infections occur when a foreign organism enters the body and multiples in a harmful way.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites can all lead to ab infection

Question 9

Define Cauda Equina

Answer 9

CE syndrome is often caused by a herniated lumbar intervertebral disc. other causes are: epidural abscess, spinal epidural hematoma, tumour or spinal stenosis.

Question 10

what are the signs& symptoms of cauda equina?

Answer 10

• saddle anaesthesia
• back pain with unilateral or bilateral leg weakness/loss of sensation
• bladder dysfunction: incontinence or inability to urinate
• Bowel dysfunction: incontinence or constipation