MSK & Rheumatology Flashcards
Osteoporosis vs osteopenia
- Osteoporosis: significant reduction in bone density.
- Osteopenia: less severe decrease in bone density.
Why is oestrogen protective against osteoporosis?
Reduces bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity.
How does tamoxifen prevent osteoporosis?
It’s a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks oestrogen receptors in breast tissue, but stimulates oestrogen receptors in the uterus and bones.
Name 2 investigations for osteoporosis
- DEXA scan of hip and spine.
- Lateral lumbar and thoracic vertebral radiographs.
Name the sero-negative inflammatory arthritises
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Reactive arthritis
Related to HLA B27
Describe the NSAIDs response to inflammatory arthritis compared to OA
Inflammatory arthritis has a better response to NSAIDs compared to OA.
Which joints are commonly affected in RA?
Wrist, MCP, PIP, MTP
Symmetrical, polyarthritis.
Which joints are commonly affected in OA?
Weight bearing joints (hips, knees, cervical & lumbar spine), 1st MCP (thumb), 1st MTP (big toe).
Describe the link between arthritis and eye disease
- Scleritis - RA
- Uveitis - sero-negative arthropathies
- Conjunctivitis - reactive arthritis
Hand changes in RA?
- Ulnar deviation
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Swan neck deformity
- Boutonniere deformity
Management for RA
- NSAIDs
- Steroids
- DMARDs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine)
- Biologic therapies (anti-TNF, rituximab, anti IL-6)
- Physio/OT
Palpable purpura
Vasculitic rash.
If non-palpable - thrombocytopenia.
Name 2 types of ANCA positive vasculitis
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, Wegener’s) - also PR3.
- Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) - also MPO.
Where does GPA most commonly affect?
- Head and shoulders
- Also commonly affects kidneys
Palpable purpuric a rash and abdominal pain
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)
Asthma and vasculitis symptoms
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)
Describe the rash in SLE
Facial ‘butterfly’ rash across the cheeks, that spares the nasolabial folds.
Which cancers metastasise to bone?
Breast, thyroid, prostate, lung
Where does the sciatic nerve originate?
L5-S1
Causes of back pain
- Sciatica
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Mechanical
- Cauda equina
- Tumours
- Infection e.g. discitis, osteomyelitis
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative e.g. OA
Gout synovial fluid?
Negatively birefringent crystals
Name one important risk factor for osteoporosis
Previous fragility fracture
What is the staining like in SLE?
Speckled
What is the staining like in scleroderma?
Nucleolar (diffuse) or centromere (limited)
Scl 70
Scleroderma
RNP
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) or overlapping RA/SLE (RUPUS)
Ro
Rash - SLE/Sjogren’s
La
Sjogrens
Sm
SLE
Jo 1
Polymyositis
dsDNA
SLE
Outline CREST syndrome
- Calcinosis
- Raynauds
- Oesophageal dysmotility
- Sclerodactyly
- Telangiectasia
What is the most common cause of heel pain in adults?
Plantar fasciitis
Which meniscus tear can cause a locked knee?
Bucket handle tear
XR findings for OA?
- Osteophytes
- Loss of joint space
- Sclerosis
- Cysts
What factors may predict worse disease in RA?
Disease activity, +ve Abs and erosions on XR.
What is the most common cause of death in RA?
Accelerated atherosclerosis and associated IHD.
What test should be performed prior to starting biologics in RA?
CXR - due to risk of TB reactivation.
What is the most widely used DMARD?
Methotrexate