Musculoskeletal Flashcards
Navicular Fracture: Overview
Scaphoid Bone Fracture
- Wrist pain on palpation of anatomic snuffbox
- Pain on axial loading of thumb
- hx of falling forward w/ outstretched hand (hyperextension of wrist) to break the fall
Imaging: Initial x-ray of wrist may be normal, but a repeat x-ray in 2 weeks will show the scaphoid fracture (d/t callous bone formation)
* high risk of avascular necrosis and nonunion
Tx:
- Splint wrist (thumb spica splint)
- Refer to hand surgeon
- Name of cast for fractures of wrist is “thumb spica cast” (also available as a splint)
Colles Fracture: Overview
Fracture of distal radius (w/ or w/out ulnar fracture) of forearm along w/ dorsal displacement of wrist
- AKA “dinner fork” fracture d/t appearance of arm and wrist after fracture
- most common type of wrist fracture
hx of falling forward w/ outstretched hand (as in navicular fracture)
Acute Osteomyelitis: Overview
An acute infection of the bone → causing inflammation and destruction
- caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi
- most cases are d/t contiguous spread from a nearby infected wound to the bone (ex: infected pressure sore on heel → osteomylitis of heel bone or calcaneus [nonhematogenous spread])
- Direct trauma to bone can also cause infection
Most common pathogen: staphylococcus aureus
S/Sx
- localized bone pain
- swelling
- redness
- tenderness of affected area and fever
Imaging: MRI (shows changes to bone and bone marrow) before plain X-ray or radiograph
Labs:
- WBC ↑
- ESR ↑
- CRP ↑
- BC may be positive
Tx:
- Antibiotics are based on C&S results
- May need surgical debridement, amputation, and bone grafts
Hematogenous spread
seeding of the bone from an infection in the bloodstream (bacteremia)
Ex: patient w/ bacteremia complains of refractory vertebral pain and tenderness (hematogenous osteomyelitis)
Hip Fracture: Overview
PMHx: hx of slipping or falling
- more common in elderly; have a 1-year mortality from 12-37% r/t complications of immobility (e.,g., pneumonia and DVT)
S/Sx
- sudden onset of one-sided hip pain
- unable to walk/bear weight on affected hip
- if mild fracture, may bear weight on affected hip
- if displaced fracture, presence of severe hip pain w/ external rotation of hip/leg (abduction) and leg shortening
Pelvic Fracture: Overview
PMHx: - hx of sign or high-energy trauma (e.g., motor vehicle or motorcycle accident)
S/Sx - depends on degree of injury to pelvic bones and other pelvic structures (e.g., nerves, blood vessels, & pelvic organs)
- ecchymosis and swelling in lower abdomen, hips, groin, and/or scrotum
- may have bladder and/or fecal incontinence
- vaginal/rectal bleeding
- hematuria
- numbness
- may cause internal hemorrhage (life-threatening!)
Tx: Check ABC!!
Cauda Equina Syndrome: Overview
pressure (most common cause is a bulging disc) on sacral nerve root → inflammatory and ischemic changes to nerves
S/Sx
- sudden onset of saddle anesthesia
- bladder incontinence (or urine retention)
- fecal incontinence
- accompanied by bilateral leg numbness & weakness
Tx: MEDICAL EMERGENCY!
A surgical emergency! Needs spinal decompression! → Refer to ED!
Low-Back Pain (From a Dissecting Abdominal Aneurysm): Overview
S/Sx:
- acute and sudden onset of “tearing,” severe low-back/abdominal pain
- presence of abdominal bruit w/ abdominal pulsation
- s/s of shock
- more common in elderly males, atherosclerosis, white race, and smokers
Bone Metastases
Bone is one of the most common sites of distant metastases
- Cancers of prostate, breast, lung, thyroid, and kidney = up to 80% of bone metastases
S/Sx
- achy, sharp, and/or well localized or feel like neuropathic pain (burning, shooting pain)
- can be severe w/ night pain and/or pain w/ weight bearing
- may be accompanied by night sweats, malaise, fever, and weight loss
- can be constant or intermittent
- can get exacerbated w/ movement of joint or bone
* Pathologic fractures can occur
Labs
- ↑ alkaline phosphatase
- ↑ serum calcium (hypercalcemia)
Imaging:
- Radiograph (x-ray) has poor sensitivity (44-50%) but can show boney lesions and early lesions
- MRI* is most sensitive and specific imaging test
Normal Findings
Joint Anatomy: Synovial fluid
Thick, serous, clear fluid (sterile) that provides lubrication for the joint
- Cloudy synovial fluid can be indicative of infection; order C&S
Normal Findings
Joint Anatomy: Synovial space
Space between 2 bones (the joint) filled with synovial fluid
Normal Findings
Joint Anatomy: Articular cartilage
the cartilage lining the open surfaces of bones in a join
Normal Findings
Joint Anatomy: Meniscus or menisci (plural)
Crescent-shaped cartilage located in each knee
- two menisci in each knee
- Damage to menisci may cause locking of the knees and knee instability
Normal Findings
Joint Anatomy: Tendon
connects muscle to the bone
- partial or complete tear of tendon or muscle is a strain
What is a MSK strain?
partial or complete tear of tendon or muscle
OR
partial or complete tear of a ligament is a sprain
Normal Findings
Joint Anatomy: Ligament
connects bone to bone
Normal Findings
Joint Anatomy: Bursae
saclike structures located on the anterior and posterior areas of a join that act as padding; filled with synovial fluid when inflamed (bursitis)
- Cloudy fluid is abnormal and is indicative of infection
Joint Anatomy
Benign Variants: Genu recurvatum
Hyperextension or backward curvature of the knees
Joint Anatomy
Benign Variants: Genu valgum
knock-knees
- To remember valgum, think of “gum stuck between the knees” (knock-knees); the opposite if varus, or bow legs
Joint Anatomy
Benign Variants: Genu varum
Bowlegs
- To remember valgum, think of “gum stuck between the knees” (knock-knees); the opposite if varus, or bow legs
General rules: Exercise and Injuries
- What is the time frame to protect joint after injury?
- What should you NOT do with injuries regarding activity/exercising?
- Within the first 48 hours, protect joint, and acutely inflamed joints should NOT:
- be exercised in any form (not even isometric exercises)
- engage in any active ROM exercises; if done too early, they will cause more inflammation and damage to affected joints
- Undergo exacerbating activities
RICE Mnemonic
Within first 48 hours after musculoskeletal trauma, follow these rules: RICE
Rest → avoid using injured joint/limb
Ice → Apply cold packs on injured area (e.g., 20 mins on, 10 mins off) for first 25-48 hours
Compression → Use elastic bandage wrap over joints to ↓ swelling and provide support; joints usually compressed are ankles and knees
Elevation → This prevents or ↓ swelling; avoid bearing weight on affected joint
Exercise:
1. Adults
2. Children and teens (6-17 years)
3. HTN adults
- 150-300 mins weekly of mod-intensity aerobic activity (or 75-150 mins of vigorous aerobic activity) + muscle strengthening exercise at least 2 days/wk
- 60 mins daily of mod-vigorous physical activity + including muscle-strengthening & bone strengthening activity 3 x/week
- aerobic exercise has been found to lower resting clinic systolic/diastolic BP
Exercise:
4. Non-weight-bearing exercise
5. Weight-bearing exercise
- Isometric exercises - performed in fixed state where muscles are flexed against stationary object
Ex: pushing one fist against the palm of the other, which is stationary
- Biking and swimming are aerobic exercises, which are non-weight bearing (do not strengthen bones) - Here bones/muscles are forced against gravity
- recommended for treating osteopenia and osteoporosis to strengthen bone durability
Ex: - walking
- skiing
- yoga
- tai chi
- lifting weights
- other sports