MSK red flags Flashcards
malignancy risk factors
history of cancer
metastatic bone disease
malignancy symptoms
severe pain
night pain
systemically unwell
thoracic pain
neuro symptoms
unexplained weight loss
unfamiliar back pain
Malignancy signs
Altered sensation
Neuro signs
Spine tenderness
Investigations/imaging for malignancy
MRI
CT scan
Blood tests
Spinal infection
Risk factors
Immunosuppression
Surgery invasive
Intravenous drug use
Social and environmental factors
History of TB
Recent pre-existing infection
Infection
Symptoms
pain
Neuro symptoms
Fatigue
Fever
Unexplained weight loss
Infection
Symptoms
spinal pain
Neuro symptoms
Fatigue
Fever
Unexplained weight loss
infection
Signs
neuro signs
Radiculopathy
Spine/point tenderness on palpation
infection
Investigations/imaging
MRI
Blood tests
Xray
fracture
Risk factors
History of OP
Corticosteroid use
Previous history of cancer
Severe trauma
Female
Older age
Previous spinal fracture
History of falls
fracture
Symptoms
Thoracic pain
Severe pain
Neuro symptoms
fracture
Signs
tenderness
Neuro signs
Spinal/area deformity
Contusion or abrasion
fracture
investigations
X ray
MRI
CT scan
Acute trauma
Acute pain and tenderness
Age > 50
Prolonged use of corticosteroids
undiagnosed vertebral fracture
Refer immediately to the ER in case of spinal cord injury
age > 50
History of CA
Unexplained weight loss
Failure of conservative therapy
metastatic cancer
Refer to oncologist
recent infection (i.e. UTI)
Intravenous drug use/abuser
Concurrent immunosuppressive disorder
infection
Refer to physician
Red flags for cervical/shoulder region
Chest pain
Pallor
Sweating
Dyspnea
Nausea or palpitations
Pain of left shoulder/arm
myocardial infarction
Send patient to ER immediately
Red flags for the cervical and shoulder region
major trauma such as MVA or fall from a height
cervical instability (fracture)
Don’t do mobilization and if it gets worse then refer the pt out
Red flags for the c/s and shoulder region
Incontinence
Gait disturbances due to the hyperreflexic LE’s
UE (especially hand) atrophy and paresis
cervical spondylitis myelopathy
Refer to medical specialist
Paresthesias.
- Pain present at rest and may have retrograde distribution.
- Muscles innervated and can be tender to palpate.
- Motor and sensory impairments will follow specific nerve pattern.
Cervical and shoulder girdle peripheral entrapment neuropathies
Treat them if mm weakness is no progressing
Refer to ortho specialist if weakness is progressing
men over age 50 with a history of smoking
Nagging type pain in the shoulder and along the vertebral border of scapula
Pain that progressed from nagging to burning in nature, often extending down the arm and into the ulnar nerve distribution
pancoast / pancreatic tumor?
Refer to PCP / oncologist
drop attacks
Dysphasia
Dysarthria
Dizziness
Diploplia or other visual issues
Numbness on one side of body / face
Nystagmus
Nausea
HA
Hearing disturbances
Ataxic gait disturbances
VBI
Refer to ER
risk factors:
Smoking
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Over age of 50
Family history
risk factors for VBI
risk factors
Prolonged asbestos exposure
Exposure to industrial elements
Smoking
Exposure to secondary smoke
pancoast / pancreas tumor
Risk factors
Weakness in scap and proximal arm muscles and overhead use of arm
Cervical and shoulder girdle peripheral entrapment neuropathies
Risk factors
Age
Repetitive neck motions
History of neck injuries
Genetic factors
Smoking
cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Risk factors:
RA
cervical instability (fracture)
Risk factors
Previous history of coronary disease
HTN
Smoking
DM
Elevated blood serum cholesterol
Med over age 40 years and women over age 50
myocardial infarction
Risk factors
Spinal osteomyelitis
Discitis
Chills
Fever
Fatigue
Redness
Swelling
Warmth
infection
