MSK swelling: Infections Flashcards
what general signs and symptoms indicate an infectious cause
systemic upset, pyrexia, trauma(break in skin), association with medical co-morbidities
what is seen in general examinations for infections
calor(heat), dolor(pain), rubor(redness), tumor(swelling),
describe what cellulitis is
inflammation and infection of soft tissues
describe the swelling seen in cellulitis
generalised swelling rather than a discreet lump
describe the clinical features in the presentation of cellulitis
pain, redness, erythema, spectrum of minor to septic seriousness
what organisms are most commonly seen in cellulitis
beta-haemolytic streps, staphylococci
what is involved in the non-pharmacological treatment of cellulitis
rest, elevation, splint
NOT surgery
what is involved in the pharmacological treatment of cellulitis
antibiotics, penicillin, analgesia
describe what an abscess in terms of MSK swellings is
discreet collection of pus
what is clinical features are seen in the presentation of abscesses
defined and fluctuant swelling, erythema, pain, history of trauma(eg bite)
what is involved in the non-pharmacological treatment of abscesses
rest, elevation, splint
“if thers pus let it out”
surgical excision + drainage
what is involved in the pharmacological treatment of abscesses
analgesia, antibiotics
describe what septic arthritis is
bacterial infection of the joint, either by trauma or haematogenous spread
what are some common causative organisms for septic arthritis
staph. aureus, strep., E. coli
what clinical features are seen in septic arthritis
MONOarthropathy, decreased ROM, systemic upset, raised WBC + inflammatory markers, +/- swelling
