Musculoskeletal Pathology Flashcards
What are bursae?
Thin, lubricated cushions located at friction points between a bone and the surrounding soft tissue (skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons)
Where are bursae located?
Between a bone and opposing surface (skin) like a water balloon
How many bursae does the adult body contain?
160 bursae
What is the size of normal bursae?
2 mm
What is bursitis?
An inflammation of 1+ bursae of synovial fluid
What is known as “student’s elbow” or “elbow bump?”
Olecranon bursitis (behind the elbow and clears up on its own)
How does olecranon bursitis appear on U/S?
A fluid collection in the bursa and/or hyperemia
What is shoulder bursitis?
The most common cause of shoulder pain often called “rotator cuff tendonitis” or “impingement syndrome”
What happens with shoulder bursitis?
Pinching of the tendons/bursa of the rotator cuff between bones
What are the layers (from top to bottom) of the supraspinatus tendon on U/S?
Skin, subcutaneous fat, deltoid muscle, bursa, tendon, cartilage, bone
Where does the median nerve run?
From the forearm to the palm of the hand
What does the median nerve control sensation of?
Palm side of thumb and fingers (not little)
What is Tinel’s test?
Tapping the median nerve at the wrist (nerve pain any digit except pinky)
What is Phalen’s test?
Palmar flexion for 60 seconds to detect median nerve pain
What can U/S detect in terms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Palmar bowing of flexor retinaculum (more than 2 mm beyond pisiform/scaphoid), distal nerve flattening, and enlargement of the nerve proximal to the flexor retinaculum
