Musculoskeletal Flashcards
Progressive disease with genetic predisposition, loss of articular cartilage, & effects WB joints
Osteoarthritis
OA has cartilage degeneration with __________ inflammation
Minimal inflammation
A key characteristic of OA is ________ formation which may be seen on xray
Osteophyte formation
OA is associated with what conditions/RFs
Age, hormones, genetics, obesity, lack of physical activity, & metabolic abnormalities
What metabolic abnormalities is OA associated with
Acromegaly
Gout
Hyperthyroidism
OA has abnormal joint mechanisms. What are the 2 groups?
Congenital defects (SCFE & congenital hip dysplasia) Acquired defects (epiphysis dysplasia)
Condition where the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time
OA
The primary symptom/complaint of OA is
Joint Pain
Describe the joint pain of OA
Localized
Asymmetrical
Increases with use
What are the features of OA
Herbeden's nodes at PIP Bouchard's leg deformities Fusiform swelling of joints Loss of ROM Brief morning stiffness Effusions/Crepitus Pain relieved with rest Genu Valgum
What is genu valgum
AKA knocked-knees
Severe lateral wear of the knee joint causing laxity of the medial ligament and knees jutting medially
What is the diagnostic of choice for OA
H&P is often sufficient
You believe you pt has OA and order some lab studies (fluid analysis) what might you find?
Synovial fluid debris
Absent of crystals
Absent of white cells/organisms
You believe you pt has OA and order some lab studies (serum analysis) what might you find?
Normal uric acid, CBC, & rheumatic panel
You believe you pt has OA and order some xrays what might you find?
Narrowing of joint space Osteophytes Chondral irregularly Boney cystic changes Articular surface sclerosis
What are osteophytes? What condition are they associated with
They are bony growths at the edge/surface of the bone/joint that show the bone is trying to repair itself; associated with OA
What is the proper medical management of OA
Pt education Exercise Bracing of joint PRN Cold therapy first followed by heat Activity modification (periods of activity followed by rest)
What is the primary treatment of OA
Acetaminophen recommended
What is the 2nd line treatment of OA
NSAIDs; specifically COX-2
- Celebrex
- Mobic
Why are NSAIDs 2nd line Tx for OA?
They are more effective but they have increased toxicity
What is the 3rd line Tx for OA
Cortisone injections
What is the 4th line Tx of OA
Hyaluronic acid injections (artificial synovial fluid to increase joint viscosity)
What is important to remember if you are considering giving a pt hyaluronic acid injections for OA
They can only be used for the knee joints
What is the ultimate Tx of OA? When is it indicated?
Arthroplasty
Indicated when conservative measures have failed
What is the MC form of arthritis
OA
How do NSAIDs work in the Tx of OA
Produce anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects by decreasing the production of prostaglandins & they inhibit both Cox-1 & 2 enzymes
Which NSAID is COX-2 specific
Celebrex
Systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by an inflammatory synovitis that erodes and ultimately destroys the articular cartilage
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
What may also become involved in RA
Many non-articular organs b/c the same cytokines that drive synovial pathology are also responsible for generating extra-articular tissue pathology
Who is RA more prevalent in
Women
In RA, what is associated with increased incidence and more severe disease (think genetic)
HLA-DR4
What are the features of RA (i.e. what might a pt present with)
Malaise & fatigue Stiffness Pain & tenderness Joint effusions Symmetric arthritis/joint involvement Rheumatoid nodules & deformatieis of the hands/fingers
What is the MC joint involved in RA
The wrist
What are the wrist findings of RA
Erosion, subluxation/drift of radius, tendon rupture
SxS must be present for how long to Dx RA
At lest 6 weeks
What are “cock-up” deformaties in RA
Lateral drift of the toes & plantar subluxation d/t erosive damage
In order to Dx RA what must be present?
At least 4/7 of the RA criteria
What is the RA Dx criteria
- ) Morning stiffnes > 1hr for 6+ weeks
- ) Arthritis of 3+ joints for 6+ weeks
- ) Arthritis of hand joints for 6+ weeks
- ) Symmetric arthritis for 6+ weeks
- ) Rheumatoid subQ nodules
- ) Positive serum rheumatic factor
- ) Radiographic changes (including erosions, decalcifications, & narrowing joint space)
What is diagnostic is most specific for RA
Radiographic findings
What lab values will be elevated in RA
Acute phase ESR & CRP
What is the most specific lab value/finding for RA
Anti-CCP antibodies
What is the Tx of RA directed towards?
Control of the synovitis and prevention of joint injury
What is the primary (1st line, 1st choice) Tx of RA
NSAIDs
What if NSAIDs alone don’t work for Tx of RA
Must try more than 1 and and a second line agent
What is/are the 1st choice 2nd line agent(s) for Tx of RA
DMARDs:
- Methotrextate best
- Sulfasalazine next best
What is/are the 2nd choice 2nd line agent(s) for Tx of RA
Azathioprine, Infliximab, Gold Cyclosporine, low dose steroids
If the pt’s RA is unresponsive to Methotrexate what can be used
Biologics such as Cimzia, Enbrel, Humira, Kineret, Orencia, Remicade, Rituxan, & Simponi
What is the appropriate Tx for moderate to severe RA
Methotrexate + sulfasalazine + hydroxycloriquine
If you are going to use hydroxycloroquine what must you do
Get a baseline eye exam
What condition do you need to test for prior to starting treatment of RA?
Test for latent TB
What are extra-articular manifestations of RA in the heart
Pericarditis
Vasculitis
Valvular & valve ring nodules
What are extra-articular manifestations of RA in the lungs
Pleural effusion
Bronchiolitis
What are extra-articular manifestations of RA in the Skin
Fragility
Nodules
What are neurological extra-articular manifestations of RA
Neuropathy
Cervical myelopathy
Peripheral neuropathy
What are hematologic extra-articular manifestations of RA
Anemia
Thrombocytosis
What are extra-articular manifestations of RA in the bones
Osteopenia
What are extra-articular manifestations of RA in the eyes
Sicca (Sjogren’s)
Episcleritis
Scleromalacia perforans
What are extra-articular manifestations of RA in the kidney
Amyloidosis
Vasculitis
RA carries a low prognosis if there is…
polyarticular involvement & systemic extra-articular manifestations
What are the common “complications” or findings in RA
Boutonniere deformity
“Swan-neck” deformity
Valgus knee deformity
Volar suluxation of the MTP joints (ulnar deviation)
Hyperextension of DIP with flexion of PIP
Boutonniere deformity
Flexion of DIP with extension of the PIP
“swan-neck” deformity
Name the arthritis…inflammation present
RA
Name the arthritis…involvement of the DIP & WB joints
OA
Name the arthritis…osteophyte formation
OA
Name the arthritis…ulnar deviation, swan-neck, & boutonneire deformities
RA
Name the arthritis…Tx goal = pain control
OA
Name the arthritis…positive lab finding include ESR & CRP
RA
Name the arthritis…heberden’s nodes
OA
Name the arthritis…involvement of MCP/PIP joints
RA
Name the arthritis…Tx goal = control inflammation
RA
Name the arthritis…normal lab findings
OA
Name the arthritis…periarticular osteoporosis and erosion
RA
What are the alarm SxS of CA
Unexplained wt loss Failure to improve with Tx Pain > 6wks Pain at night or at risk pt Hx of CA Age > 50
What are the alarm SxS for cauda equina
Urinary retention/incontinence Saddle anesthesia Decreased anal sphincter tone/fecal incontinence Bilateral LE weakness Progressive neurological deficits
What is the 2nd MC complaint in primary care
Lower back pain (LBP)
When examining a pt with lower back pain what do you need to make sure you do?
Rule out any red flags (such as those of CA or cauda equina)
What is the primary Tx for lower back pain
Rest! 80-90% of pts will improve within 1 month even without any treatment
What are other treatments for lower back pain
Pt education, PT, or NSAIDs
If pt complains of lower back pain and has red flags what should you do?
Promptly get an MRI
What is the MCC of disability in people under 45 y/o
Lower back pain
Chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton, peripheral joints, & non-articular structures
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
In what manner does AS affect the spine? (direction)
Affects it from the bottom up, starting at the SI joints and working up to cervical skeleton
What genetic predisposition do 90% of pts express
HLA-B27
Who is AS more prevalent in
Men > women; generally young adults
AS is associated with chronic back pain that is worst when?
In the morning
Mid or entire spine stiffness in AS may improve with…
Activity
Where might AS back pain refer to
Referred pain to the butt or back of the thigh
What condition is AS associated with
Anterior uveitis
AS rarely presents in pts < 18 y/o. If it does how might it present
Pain & swelling of the large limb joints (knee)
What are the necessary findings to Dx AS
Changes in the SI joints (early in disease may be seen on MRI, otherwise x-ray)
What is the “shiny corner sign” associated with AS
X-ray finding due to inflammation where the annulus attaches (seen on the vertebral bodies)
When can plain films diagnose AS
Later in the disease
What is the bamboo sign and what condition is it associated with
Late radiographic finding of AS where the vertebral bodies are fused by syndesmophytes and look like bamboo
What bloodwork will be positive in a pt with AS
Seronegative spondyloarthropathies
Negative anti-CCP antibodies
What is the 1st line Tx of AS
NSAIDs (empiric trials of several to find best result)
If NSAIDs don’t work in the Tx of AS what should be done next
Add TNF inhibitors to the Tx (Entanercept, Adalimubab, Infliximab, Golimumab)
Why should corticosteroids not be given for AS
Can worsen osteopenia and minimal impact on arthritis
What disease/condition is related to AS
Reiter’s Syndrome
Condition where ligaments and connective tissue of the back are stretched beyond normal
Back sprain/strain
Quick tear, pull, or twist of muscle or tendon
Strain
Trauma which displaces joint and stretches/tears a ligmante
Sprain
Compression of the spinal cord d/t a massive ruptured disc
Cauda equina
Where in the spine is cauda equina MC
MC at L4-L5 and usually occurs midline
What are the main SxS of cauda equina
Urinary retention (may have overflow incontinence)
Diminished anal sphincter tone w/ fecal incontinence
Saddle anesthesia
What are other common SxS of cauda equina (but not major)
Motor weakness, LBP, absence of achilles reflex, sexual dysfunction
How do you Dx cauda equina
MRI is best
What is the Tx of cauda equina
URGENT surgical decompression
How are the nerve roots numbered in the cervical spine
They are numbered C1-C8 and each is found about the vertebrae (ex: C6 nerve root is above C6 vertebrae)
This is AKA a herniated disc
herniated nucleus pulposis
Pt presents with painful limitation of neck motion, and pain that is aggravated with neck extension and relieved with forearm on top of the head. What is the likely Dx?
Cervical herniated nucleus pulposis
What is Lhermitte’s sign? What condition is it seen in?
Electrical shock-like sensation radiating down the spine; seen with cervical herniated nucleus pulposis
What is Spurling’s sign? What condition is it seen in?
Pain when examiner exerts downward pressure on the vertex and tilting the head towards the symptomatic side; seen with cervical herniated nucleus pulposis
What is axial manual traction? What condition is it associated with?
10-15 kg traction is applied while the pt is supine & reduces or alleviates SxS is a (+) sign; associated with cervical herniated nucleus pulposis
What is the diagnostic of choice for Cervical herniated nucleus pulposis
MRI is best
Plain films MAY be somewhat useful
How do you treat Cervical herniated nucleus pulposis
NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, PT, chiropractic Tx, injections; analgesics & tricyclics may be helpful for reduction of neuropathic pain
In what direction do LUMBAR discs usually herniate and why
Usually herniate to the side b/c the posterior longitudinal ligament is strongest in the midline
What may relieve pain in lumbar herniated disc
Flexing knee and thigh
What is the “cough effect” in lumbar herniated disc
Exacerbation of pain with coughing or straining
What do pts with lumbar herniated disc often do
Avoid excessive movements but don’t stay in one position for too long
Pt presents with pain radiating down the LE, LE weakness, motor weakness, dermatomal sensory changes, and reflex changes. What might be the Dx?
Herniated lumbar disc
What is the diagnostic of choice for lumbar herniated disc
MRI is best
Plain films may help distinguish
What is the Tx of lumbar herniated disc
NSAIDs, muscle relaxer, PT, chiropractic tx, injections; analgesics & tricyclics may help reduce neuropathic pain
Pt presents with exaggerated curvature of the thoracic spine. What may be the Dx?
Kyphosis
What are the possible causes of kyphosis in adults
Degenerative disease of the spine
Fx by osteoporosis
Injury/trauma
Spondylolisthesis
What are common presenting SxS of kyphosis besides exagerated curvature of the thoracic spine
Difficulty breathing (severe cases) Fatigue Mild back pain Round back appearance Tenderness Spine stiffness
How do you diagnose kyphosis
Clinical may be sufficient but x-ray and MRI are tests of choice
What is kyphosis in adolescents called
Scheuermann’s Disease
How is Scheuermann’s disease treated
Brace and PT
Sx if curve > 60 degrees
What is a common complication or finding of kyphosis
Multiple compression fractures of the thoracic spine d/t osteoporosis leading to worsening curvature
Sideways curvature of the spine most often seen during growth spurt just before puberty; causes of most cases unknown
Scoliosis
What is the MC cause/type of scoliosis
MC = idiopathic scoliosis
Who is scoliosis more prevalent in
Female > male
What are the common clinical findings or SxS of scoliosis
Uneven shoulders
Prominent shoulder blade
Uneven waist
Leaning to one side more than the other
How is scoliosis often diagnosed
School screenings or exam & x-ray
What is a Tx of scoliosis in adolescents? What does it do?
Braces for curves of 25-40 degrees will halt progression of curve but the curve will resume if bracing is discontinued
Where does sciatica/nerve root compression most commonly occur
95% occur at L4-L5 or L5-S1
What is the onset of sciatica
Usually abrupt but can be acute on chronic flare-up pains
What is the most common SxS or sciatica
Radicular pain that extends below the knee
What is the MC L5 finding in sciatica
Foot drop or loss of dorsiflexion of the great toe and pain in the great toe
What is the radiation pattern of sciatica pain
Radiation in a radicular fashion along distribution of sciatic nerve
What is the Tx of sciatica
Tx like a sprain/strain; activity as limited by pain, NSAIDs, possible opioid use for pain, possible epidural steroid injections
Condition characterized by narrowing of the AP dimension of the spinal canal
Spinal stenosis
In what direction does the spinal canal narrow in spinal stenosis
AP direction
Where is spinal stenosis MC
MC at L4-L5
2nd MC at L3-L4
What are common SxS of spinal stenosis
Pain, paresthesias, LE weakness with walking
What is the MC SxS of spinal stenosis in the lumbar region? What is it?
Neurogenic claudication = pt tires with walking, require stopping & sitting & changes position of their back to relieve pain
What is the diagnostic test of choice for spinal stenosis
MRI or CT
What MRI type is best for spinal stenosis Dx
T2 images
What is the Tx for spinal stenosis
- Flexion based exercises by PT
- Spinal or facet joint corticosteroid injections to reduce pain
Spinal TB is AKA….
Who is it primarily seen in?
Pott Disease
Seen in immigrants and immunocompromised
What are the main SxS of spinal TB
Back pain
+/- radicular pain & LE weakness
+/- pulmonary disease
What is the diagnostic test of choice for spinal TB
MRI
What are the radiographic findings of spinal TB
Lytic & sclerotic lesions & bony destruction
What is the Tx of spinal TB
Abx 6-9 months
- Isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, & ethambutol for 2 months then isoniazid & rifampin for additional 4-7 months
What is the bad complication of spinal TB
Paraplegia d/t compression of the spinal cord -> cauda equina
Loss of conguency between the glenoid and humeral head
Shoulder dislocation
In which direction do most shoulder dislocations occur
95% are in the anterior direction
What is the mechanism of most shoulder dislocations
Usually d/t a fall on outstretched and abducted arm
How do posterior shoulder dislocations occur
Fall from high height, seizure, or electrocution
What is a bankart lesion
Anterior inferior labrum is torn in shoulder dislocation and leads to continuous instability
What will a pt complain of with anterior shoulder dislocation
Pain & instability when shoulder is abducted and externally rotated
What are the diagnostic tests of choice for shoulder dislocation
X-rays with multiple views
MRI best if suspected soft tissue damage to labrum/rotator cuff
What is the Tx for acute shoulder dislocations
Reduce immediately with gentle traction with internal rotation (1st inject with lidocaine)
What is the Tx for traumatic shoulder dislocations
Bankart lesion is often present & surgical repair is often required, need to immobilize for 6 weeks
What is the Tx for recurrent shoulder dislocations
Sx management (often arthroscopic)
How does AC injury most commonly occur
Occurs from a fall directly onto the shoulder
How might a pt present with an AC injury
Depends on extent of injury; may be in minimal pain to extreme unbearable pain with no arm movement
What is the diagnostic test of choice for an AC injury
MRI best to access soft tissue & structural damage
What is the Tx for a mild AC injury
Sling for discomfort & mild pain meds for relief
What is the Tx for a moderate AC injury
Stronger pain meds for relief
What is the Tx for a severe AC injury
Surgical repair if it is a Type 4 or 5 injury
Where is the MC location for a clavicular Fx
Mid-shaft MC
Distal is 2nd MC, proximal least common
What is the mechanism of injury for most clavicular fractures
Direct blow or fall on point of the shoulder
What is the diagnostic test of choice for clavicular fractures
X-ray is the gold standard
What is the Tx for clavicular fractures
Most are treated non operatively with sling and swath
When is operative Tx indicated for clavicle Fx
Indicated for open fxs, markedly displaced fxs, fxs associated with multiple traumas, & distal fxs
What is the mechanism of injury for a posterior dislocation sternoclavicular injury
Direct blow to the anterior chest wall, usually high energy blow
What is the mechanism of injury for anterior dislocation sternoclavicular injury
Lateral blow to the shoulder when the arm is abducted/extended (usually low energy)
What is the main finding with sternoclavicular injury
Deformity, swelling, and tenderness of the joint
What are secondary findings with sternoclavicular injuries
Stridor, dysphagia, venous distension, pulse deficit