Musculoskeletal Conditions Flashcards
(4) axes on which to consider MSK conditions
duration (acute vs. chronic), origin (articular vs. non-articular), nature (inflammatory vs. non-inflammatory), distribution (localized vs. systemic)
OLDCARTS acronym for HPI
Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating/Alleviating, Radiation, Timing, Severity
Reserve imaging studies for cases with “red flags” or persistent symptoms longer than…..
4-6 weeks
MSK “red flags” (6)
radicular symptoms >4-6 weeks, increasing symptoms, osteomyelitis, cauda equina, disc herniation, epidural abscess
Your 1 week postpartum pt who received epidural anesthesia in labor calls clinic reporting low back pain. Suspect….
Epidural abscess
Radicular pain
radiating
Lifetime risk for osteoarthritis
~50%
Medical term for bone spurs
osteophytes
pathogenesis of OA (3)
loss of articular cartilage, thickening of the subchrondral bone, development of osteophytes
DIAGNOSE: Pt presents with joint pain and stiffness, swelling, crepitus, low-grade synovitis, and loss of mobility to one hand
osteoarthritis
Causes of secondary OA, generally (3)
mechanical (i.e., joint out of alignment), metabolic, endocrine
Common medication that is risk factor for OA
prednisone
Characteristics of OA
Slow insidious onset, affecting one or a few joints, pain is “achey” and poorly localized, morning stiffness lasts <30 minutes, pain is relieved by rest, there is NO systemic symptoms
Why is it important to assess risk for GI bleed in clients with OA?
NSAIDs is usual treatment, may require modification
Key differentiations between OA and RA (3)
OA = one or a few joints, morning stiffness <30 minutes, no systemic symptoms RA = multiple joints bilaterally, morning stiffness >30 minutes, systemic symptoms present
OA characteristics seen on radiographic imaging (5)
joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, periarticular ossicles, subchondral bone cysts, altered shape of bone end
Heberden’s nodes are found at the …..
DIP joints of the hand
Bouchard’s nodes are found at the ….
PIP joints of the hand
Hopkins Pearl: True hip joint pain will ofetn be felt…
in the groin
Patient self-management of OA
physical activity is key, including ROM, aerobic and strength exercises. Weight-bearing exercise like running can put stress on the joints. Strengthening the muscles around the joint can help and develop stability in the joint. Proper body mechanics, aids and braces. Importance of rest and warm heat or cool ice pack. If limiting function, consider referral to PT or OT
Pharmacologic recommendation for OA in one or a small few joints
topical NSAIDs
OA patients with history of GI bleed should not be taking….
NSAIDs or a COX-2
Maximum dose of NSAIDs per day
2400mg in 24 hours
When might you refer your OA pt to a specialist (4)
severe or disabling, malalignment, instability, or bone spurs
Hopkin’s (2) things to remember about RA
it is a systemic disease, it has a variable course
Condition characterized as a symmetric, inflammatory, peripheral polyarthritis
rheumatoid arthritis