Musculoskeletal Flashcards
Finkelstein’s Test
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is caused by an inflammation of the tendon sheath, which is located at the base of the thumb. The screening test is Finkelstein’s (lesson “Figure 14.2 Finkelstein’s test”), which is positive if there is pain and tenderness on the wrist on the thumb side (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons).
Anterior Drawer Sign
A positive anterior drawer sign is indicative of a damaged or torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Posterior Drawer Sign
hen examiner grasps the lower leg by the joint line and pushes it posteriorly. A positive posterior drawer sign is indicative of a damaged or torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Lachman’s Sign
With the patient’s knee in 30 degrees of flexion, the femur is stabilized with one hand, and the other hand is used to apply force to the tibia to displace the tibia forward on the femur (Figure 14.4). Positive result is suggestive of a tear to the ACL.
Collateral Ligament Tests
Valgus stress test of the knee: Test for the medial collateral ligament (MCL)
Varus stress test of the knee: Test for the lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Chronic inflammatory disorder (seronegative arthritis) that affects mainly the spine (axial skeleton) and the sacroiliac joints (axial spondylarthritis)
S/S Ankylosing spondylitis
- neck pain that progresses down the spine
- impaired spinal mobility
- joint pain that keeps you awake at night
- fatigue
- low grade fever
- costochondritis and costovertebral tenderness
- stiffness that resolves with activity
- decreased ROM
- hyperkyphosis (hunchback)
- lordosis (exaggerated inward curve of the spine, usually in the lower back)
- bamboo spine on xray
Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis
- refer to rheumatology
- exercise therapy
- NSAIDS first line (then TNF inhibitors, DMARDS)
Lateral Epicondylitis
Tennis elbow.
Gradual onset of pain on the outside of the elbow that sometimes radiates to the forearms. Pain worse with twisting or grasping movements (opening jars, shaking hands). Physical exam will show local tenderness over the lateral epicondyle
Medial Epicondylitis
Golfer’s elbow
Gradual onset of aching pain on the medial area of the elbow (the side of the elbow that is touching the body), which can last a few weeks to months. Pain can be mild to severe. More common in women age 45 to 64 years. Occurs over the medial aspect of the elbow (ulnar nerve). Physical exam will show localized tenderness over the medial epicondyle.
Gout
Deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints. Can be due to overproduction or reduced excretion of purine.
Gold standard for gout diagnosis
joint fluid aspiration
S/s Gout
- warm, painful, tender swollen joint
- rapid onset usually at night
- precipitated by ingestion of alcohol, meats, or seafood
Chronic gout has tophi (small white nodules full of urates on ears and joints)
uric acid levels during gout flare
During the acute phase, uric acid level is normal; uric acid level does not begin to rise until after the acute phase.
Elevated level may support diagnosis but is not diagnostic.
Most accurate measurement is 2 weeks after gout flare
Labs for gout
WBC is often elevated.
ESR is elevated.
CRP is elevated.
Uric acid will be normal, increases 2 weeks after flare. Elevation may support diagnosis but its not diagnostic.
Treatment for gout
Pain relief - NSAIDS
Inflammation - steriors, prednisone or medrol taper
Colchicine - Two tablets (1.2 mg) at the onset of pain and then one tablet (0.6 mg) in 1 hour
Patient may continue daily dose of urate lowering therapy during flares (allopurinol, febuxostat….). Or may start new 2 weeks after flare.
Dietary modifications for patients with gout
Avoid/minimize alcohol (<2 servings for males/<1 serving for females).
Avoid fructose- or corn syrup–sweetened beverages, which increase uric acid.
Remain well hydrated.
(DASH) or Mediterranean diet.
Advise dietary moderation in purine intake.
Potential benefit in consumption of cherries, vitamin C, fish, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Red flags for cauda equina syndrome
- Bladder and bowel incontinence
- Sensory loss in the distribution of the affected nerve roots; may cause saddle anesthesia
- Low back pain accompanied by pain radiating into one or both legs
- Bilateral leg weakness
Tibial stress fracture s/s
Pain that’s more focal and in one specific area of the leg.
Pain that worsens over time and increases with impact activity.
Pain that doesn’t get better after stopping activity.
Pain that’s more noticeable when resting.
There may also be tenderness to even a light touch on or near the affected bone
Shin splints vs. tibial stress fracture
Pain at affected bone with fracture, more generalized with shin splints
Treatment for shin splints
RICE
Cushioned sneakers for daily use
After pain stops wait 2 weeks prior to resuming activities
Stretch before and after activity
Treatment for suspected tibial stress fracture
Same as for shin splints however..
If suspect stress fracture, plain radiographs are often the first imaging study; however, they are often normal initially. MRI is highly sensitive and specific. Refer to orthopedic specialist.
Recommend lower-impact exercises (e.g., swimming, stationary bike, elliptical trainer).
Meniscus tear
The two menisci are crescent-shaped pads of fibrocartilage located within the knee joint. Tears in the meniscus result from trauma and/or overuse. Sports with higher risk are soccer, basketball, and football.
Meniscus tear s/s
- clicking, locking, or buckling of the knee
- may be unable to fully extend affected knee.
- Patient may limp.
- Complains of knee pain and difficulty walking and bending the knee.
- joint line pain.
- Decreased ROM.
Certain movements aggravate symptoms.