Musculoskeletal/Rheumatology Flashcards
Cervical Strain/Sprain: etiology
combined injury (ligamentous + musculature)
- forced movement past end range
- violent high velocity movement
Cervical Strain/Sprain: clinical presentation
pain (non radicular, non focal) stiffness, limited ROM cervicogenic HA pattern tender to palpation (muscle, facet joint, transverse process) no pain w/ axial loading normal neuro exam (C5-T1) Spurling's neg for radicular pain
Indications for Cervical Spine X-rays: non trauma related
age >50 w/ new sx constitutional sx mod-sev neck pain >6wks progressive neurological findings infectious risk (IVDU, IM) hx of malignancy
Indications for Cervical Spine X-rays: trauma related: nexus low risk criteria
(no x-rays if all 5)
absence of posterior midline cervical tenderness normal level of alertness no evidence of intoxication no abnormal neurologic findings no painful distracting injuries
Indications for Cervical Spine X-rays: trauma related: canadian C spine rule
YES: high risk factors
age 65+
dangerous MOI
paresthesias in extremities
NO: low risk factors simple rear end MVA sitting position in ED walking delayed onset neck pain absence of midline cervical spine tenderness
NOT able to actively rotate neck 45deg L and R
C Spine Views
lateral
AP
dens
oblique
What type of injury is associated with sharp pain?
muscle strain/ligament sprain
What type of injury is associated with tightness followed by pain?
muscle spasm
Whiplash Injury: MOI
acceleration deceleration of neck w/ rapid flexion extension
Whiplash Injury: clinical presentation
delayed onset of cervical pain/stiffness pain peaks at 3-5d pain/stiffness w/ flexion and extension tender to palpation (muscle, facet joint, ligaments) ROM limitations no pain w/ axial loading normal neuro exam
Whiplash Injury: radiographic finding
straightening of cervical spine (loss of lordotic curve)
Whiplash Injury: treatment
soft cervical collar analgesics muscle relaxers cervical pillow heat/ice PT
Cervical Facet Dysfunction: definition
shift in vertebral alignment –> locking of facet join
Cervical Facet Dysfunction: etiology
prolonged positional stress
traumatic injury
Cervical Facet Dysfunction: clinical presentation
insidious onset
unilateral pain (sharp in c spine, achey in referral zone)
focal facet TTP
ROM limitation
Cervical Facet Dysfunction: treatment
analgesics
muscle relaxants
referral (PT, DC, DO) (cervical spine manipulation)
Cervical Manipulation: complication
cerebral artery occlusion/dissection
- cervical/suboccipital pain
- dizziness
- N/V
- vision loss
Cervical Radiculopathy: definition
neurogenic pain in distribution of cervical roots
w/ or w/out associated numbness, weakness, loss of reflexes
Cervical Radiculopathy: etiology, populations
cervical disc bulge/herniation (young, older adults)
cervical foraminal narrowing (older adults)
Spurling’s Test:
- what it tests for
- steps
- positive test
helps diagnose cervical disc herniation/spondylosis
rotates + laterally flexes to affected side + apply axial compression (+cervical extension)
positive: reproduction of/inc radicular arm pain
Cervical Radiculopathy: presentation
- onset
- hallmark sx
- diagnostic test
onset:
- young/old: abrupt
- old: gradual
cervical pain inc w/ rotation/ lat flexion, extension to involved side –> inc radicular pain (positive Spurling’s test)
neurologic deficits
Cervical Radiculopathy: radiographs
- optimal view
- findings
oblique view
osteophyte formation
C5 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
lower lateral upper arm
shoulder ABduction
elbow flexion
biceps
C6 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
lateral forearm
wrist extensors
brachioradialis
C7 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
middle finger
elbow extension
wrist flexion
triceps
C8 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
medial forearm
finger flexion
none
L1 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
groin
hip flexion
cremaster
L2 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
anterior thigh
hip flexion
hip ADduction
cremaster
L3 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
medial knee
hip flexion
knee extension
hip ADduction
patellar
L4 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
medial calf
foot inversion
knee extension
patellar
L5 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
later lower leg
dorsum of foot
toe extension
ankle dorsiflexion
none
S1 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
lateral foot
ankle plantar flexion
ankle jerk
S2 Root Injury:
- dermatome pain
- movement reflex
- reflex involved
posterior thigh
ankle plantar flexion
toe flexion
none
Cervical Radiculopathy: imaging
radiographs (AP, lateral, odontoid, R+L oblique)
MRI
What findings on imaging can explain the etiology of cervical radiculopathy?
bulge
uncinate hypertrophy
Cervical Radiculopathy: treatment
analgesics (NSAIDs, APAP, steroidal anti inflammatory (prednisone))
PT, OT
epidural injection
ant cervical decompression + fusion
Cervical Spondylosis:
- disease components
- MC cervical levels
degenerative disease:
- osteophyte formation
- ligamentum flavum thickening
- disc space narrowing
- vertebral subluxation
C5-C6
C6-C7
**compression of spinal cord (not roots)
Cervical Spondylosis: presentation
progressive ROM loss/stiffness
intermittent pain –> chronic (deep, aching neck/shoulder)
crepitus
tenderness
myelopathy
Cervical Spondylosis: myelopathy
sensory impairment weak hands/muscle atrophy leg weakness unsteady gait bowel/bladder dysfunction hyperreflexia (LE) Lhermitte's sign
Cervical Spondylosis: Lhermitte’s Sign
neck flexion –> electric shock like sensation down the center of the back
Cervical Spondylosis: diagnostics
radiographs
MRI
Cervical Spondylosis: treatment
NSAIDs duloxetine amitriptyline neurontin (gabapentin) cervical pillow cervical traction PT surgical fixation
**avoid narcotics
What are the 4 alterations of thoracic kyphosis?
congenital
developmental
postural
degenerative
Congenital Kyphosis
- age
- alteration
pediatric
failure of segmentation (fusion of multiple vertebrae)
failure of formation (wedge shaped vertebrae)
Developmental Kyphosis
- age
- alteration
adolescent
presents during periods of rapid growth
altered development of vertebrae (wedge shape)
**scheuermann’s disease
Postural Kyphosis
- age
- alteration
adolescent, adult
altered strength balance bt muscles – body adapts to posture (cellphone, laptop, obesity)
can correct!
Degenerative Kyphosis
- age
- alteration
adult
with age:
- disc narrow
- vertebral bodies collapse
Kyphosis: complications
limited ROM of UE
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis:
- epidemiology
- definition
M, 12-15yrs
rigid structural kyphosis
wedge shaped vertebrae
rapid bone growth
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: diagnostics
lateral imaging:
- anterior wedging (>/=5deg in at least 3 adjacent vertebrae)
- cobb angle (guides tx)
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: treatment
stretching/strengthening
> 55-60deg: brace (until skeletally mature)
surgery
- skeletal maturity
- rigid deformity
- > 75deg
- unresponsive pain
- unacceptable appearance
Costovertebral Dysfunction: what is it
rib hypomobility/subluxation
disruption of costovertebral and costosternal articulations
alterations of rib mechanics w/ insp and exp
Costovertebral Dysfunction: presentation
sharp stabbing pain upon waking unilateral ANT AND POST PAIN may radiate along dermatome inc w/ deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, laughing, TRUNK MVMT
reproduction of pain w/ palpation PA mobilization protective muscle spasm restricted trunk ROM sudden reduction in pain w/ pe --> rib relocation
Costovertebral Dysfunction: management
analgesics (NSAIDs, APAP)
muscle relaxants
PT, chiropractic, massage
Costochondritis:
- epidemiology
- etiology
> 40yo
idiopathic (preceding illness w/ coughing, recent strenuous exercise)
Costochondritis:
- what is it
- MC ribs
inflammation of costochondral/costosternal junction
- unilateral
- > 1 level
- MC: 2nd-5th ribs
Costochondritis: presentation
sharp aching or pressure pain ANTERIOR PAIN may radiate laterally inc pain w/ deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, laughing, UPPER BODY MVMT reproduction of pain w/ palpation
Tietze Syndrome:
- epidemiology
- etiology
<40yo
idiopathic (preceding illness w/ coughing)
Tietze Syndrome: what is it
inflammation of costochondral or costosternal junction
- unilateral
- 1 level only
- MC ribs: 2nd-3rd
Tietze Syndrome: presentation
sharp aching pressure pain
- anterior
- may radiate laterally
- inc pain w/ deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, laughing, upper body mvmt
- reproduction of pain w/ palpation
- SWELLING OVERLYING INVOLVED JOINTS
Costochondritis and Tietze Syndrome: treatment
analgesics (NSAIDs, APAP)
activity modification
lidocaine/corticosteroid injection
**course: wks-mos
Acute Low Back Pain: definition
new onset low back pain < 12 wk duration
Acute Low Back Pain: injured structures
MC: facet joints
ligamentous structures
paravertebral spinal muscles
Acute Low Back Pain: risk factors
Age Obesity Physically strenuous work Repeated twisting or bending Job dissatisfaction Prolong static posture (sedentary work) Poor posture Anxiety / depression
Acute Low Back Pain: MOI
MC: poor lifting technique
carrying excessive load
sudden mvmt
fall
Acute Low Back Pain: presentation
TTP (facet joint) pain w/ extension, rotation tightness+pain w/ forward flexion difficulty arising from seated position normal neuro exam (L1-L5)
Low Back Pain: indications for radiographs
>70yo recent significant trauma (milder trauma if >50) constitutional sx mod-sev LBP >6wks focal neuro deficit infx risk (IVDU, IM) hx of malignancy prolonged corticosteroid use/osteoporosis
Acute Low Back Pain: management
avoid complete bedrest
ice/heat
stretching
analgesics (NSAIDs, ketorolac, short course oral prednisone, APAP)
muscle relaxers (cyclobenzaprine, metaxolone, carisoprodol)
PT
Lumbar Radiculopathy: what is it
dysfunction/irritation of nerve root –> pain, sensory impairment, weakness, diminished DTR
What is the key to determining the involved nerve root in lumbar radiculopathy?
distribution
Supine Leg Raise:
- what it tests for
- steps
- positive test
evaluates for sciatic nerve/lumbar nerve root irritation
passive hip flexion + knee extension –> sx –> lower leg until pain relieved –> dorsiflex foot
reproduction of radicular pain w/ dorsiflexion
Seated Straight Leg Raise:
- what it tests for
- steps
- positive test
evaluates for sciatic nerve/lumbar nerve root irritation
seated, passive knee extension
not tolerating full knee extension (reflexively lean back/reproduction of radicular pain)
Lumbar Radiculopathy: diagnostics
straight leg raise (positive) seated straight leg raise (positive)
neuro exam (L1-L5)
xray
MRI
Lumbar Radiculopathy: management
NSAIDs
PT
lumbar epidural
laminotomy + disectomy
laminectomy
Cauda Equina Syndrome: presentation
B sciatica B LE weakness saddle anesthesia sphincter dysfunction bowel/bladder dysfunction
Cauda Equina Syndrome: treatment
emergent neurosurgery consult
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: what is it
disc degeneration arthritic changes ligamentum flavum thickening narrowing of lumbar spinal and nerve root canals compression of spinal cord, nerve roots
**aging population
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: presentation
> 50yo
insidious onset
LBP, leg pain (LBP, morning stiffness –> pain expands to buttocks, LE)
neurogenic claudication w/ walking/prolonged standing
SHOPPING CART SIGN
numbness, tingling
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: diagnostics
xrays
MRI
arterial doppler US to r/o vascular claudication
Spondylolisthesis: what is it
forward translation of 1 vertebra on another
**often during growth spurt
Spondylolisthesis: grading
Grade 1 - < 25% translation
Grade 2 - < 50% translation
Grade 3 - < 75% translation
Grade 4 - < 100% translation
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: treatment
analgesics (APAP, NSAIDs, duloxetine, amitriptyline, neurontin) weight loss PT/OT epidural injections radiofrequency ablation surgery (spinal cord stimulator, fusion)
Spondylolysis: what is it
defect in pars interarticularis of lumbar vertebra (stress fracture/overloading)
**F>M
Spondylolysis: MOI
trunk extension + hyperextension/rotation
high risk sports: ballet, gymnastics, figure skating, football linemen, diving
Spondylolysis: complications
persistent pain
progression to spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis: diagnostics
xray: AP, lateral (sn), latearl oblique (sp)
MRI
Spondylolysis: treatment
wk1-4: activity restriction
wk5-12: PT
wk9-12: gradual activity progression
return to activity, consider bracing
surgery (grade III-IV)
Stress Reactions
repetitive mechanical stress
Osteoclastic activity surpasses osteoblastic activity
Production of microfractures
Initiation of an inflammatory response
Bone stress injury → stress fracture
Grade I: Periosteal edema
Grade II-III: Varying severity bone marrow edema
Grade IV: Cortical fracture line
AC Joint Injury: MOI
MC: direct force (fall on AC joint w/ arm at side, acromion forced inf med)
indirect force (FOOSH, humeral head forced sup)
AC Joint Injury: Type I
AC ligament sprain
pain w/o deformity
AC joint intact
CC ligaments intact
AC Joint Injury: Type II
AC joint disrupted
<50% vertical displacement
CC ligament sprain
pain + deformity
AC Joint Injury: Type III
AC + CC ligaments disrupted
AC joint dislocated – inferiorly displaced shoulder complex
>CC interspace
pain w/ deformity
AC Joint Separation: presentation
step deformity (II, II, V)
other deformity (IV, VI)
swelling
trapezius muscle spasm
AC Joint Separation: functional tests
cross arm ADduction
traction test
AC Joint Sprain: diagnostics
xray: 10deg cephalic tilt (+/- weights)
AC Joint Injury: treatment (I,II)
non operative:
- ice, sling (7-10d)
- return to ADLs/sports as pain allows (1-3wks)
AC Joint Injury: treatment (III)
non operative:
- sling+harnes (10-14d)
- return to sports/ADLs (3-4wks)
acute surgery indicated:
- throwing athletes
- overhead workder
- AVOID: contact athletes
AC Joint Injury: complications and management
OA of AC joint
osteolysis of dist clavicle
dec functional level
surgical tx: dist clavicular excision
Shoulder (Glenohumeral) Dislocation: direction
MC: anterior (subcoracoid)
posterior
inferior (subglenoid)
Posterior Shoulder Dislocation: associated conditions
seizures
electrical shock
lesser tuberosity fx
Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: MC MOI
ABduction + external rotation
Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: neurologic injury: affected nerves + presentation
MC: axillary nerve
radial nerve (weakness w/ extension) median nerve (weakness in hand)
Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: presentation
flattened deltoid
ant chest fullness
prominent acromion
guarding
What position would the patient be holding their arm in with an ANTERIOR dislocation?
slight ABduction
What position would the patient be holding their arm in with an POSTERIOR dislocation?
full ADduction
Shoulder Dislocation: evaluation
neuro exam (C5-T1) xray (AP, axillary, Y views)
MRI arthrogram (identify bankart lesion)
Shoulder Dislocation: treatment
- conscious sedation (oxygen+fentanyl)
- reduction (anterior)
- hippocratic (inf traction)
- stimson (weights)
- hennipen (external rotation) - confirm w/ xray
- sling
- ortho consult
recurrent:
ant shoulder reconstruction + bankart repair
Shoulder Dislocation: provocative tests
apprehension
jobe relocation
surprise (release)
sulcus sign
Shoulder Dislocation: complications
brachial plexus injury
recurrent dislocation
anterior:
- bankart lesion (glenoid labral avulsion)
- hill sachs lesion (post lat humeral head fx)
- capsular laxity
Shoulder Dislocations: outcome
- <30
- > 45
- 1st time >40
<30: high recurrence (bc bankart)
> 45: recurrence less common
1st > 40: associated w/ rotator cuff tear
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS): primary impingement:
- etiology
- epidemiology
degenerative changes (bone spurs, calcific deposits)
hooked acromion (inc risk of RC tear)
> 35yo
“true/classic impingement”
What is the most frequent cause of atraumatic shoulder pain?
SAIS
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS): secondary impingement:
- etiology
- epidemiology
repetitive overhead movement (ABduction, external rotation)
forward head, inc thoracic kyphosis –> muscle imbalances (ant tilting, protraction)
<35yo overhead athlete (swimmer, volleyball, baseball)
faulty scapular posture
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS): what is it
inflammation –> inc compression w/in subacromial space
repetitive microtrauma:
- MC: supraspinatus tendon
- subacromial bursa
- long head of biceps
bursal inflammtion
tendon degeneration
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS): presentation
gradual onset ant + lat shoulder pain (exacerbated w/ overhead activity) night pain TTP referred pain down to deltoid
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS): special tests
Neers (int rotation + flexion) Hawkins Painful arc (45/60-120) Strength testing (resistance, empty can, lift off)
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS): treatment
NSAIDs
avoid offending activities
modify sleeping position
PT (postural correction)
no improvement in 6wks:
subacromial corticosteroid injection
surgery (subacromial decompression)
Rotator Cuff Tear: etiology
MC: overuse (age related degeneration, chronic mechanical impingement)
traumatic
MC: supraspinatus tendon
Rotator Cuff Tear:
-epidemiology
full thickness tear:
-inc incidence >40 (esp >60)
**uncommon under 40
Rotator Cuff Tear: presentation
sev mos of rec shoulder pain subacromial pain pain localized to deltoid tuberosity night pain weakness, catching, grating
TTP dec AROM normal PROM (+) drop arm test pain/weakness w/ isolation of involved RC
Rotator Cuff Tear: diagnostics
xray
MRI (gold standard)
** + arthrogram if concern for partial tear and chronic injury
Rotator Cuff Tear: treatment
nonsurgical (<50% thickness tear):
- NSAIDs
- PT
- avoid overhead activities
- steroid injection
surgery (chronic injury, acute traumatic):
What is the timeline for surgical intervention with and acute traumatic RC tear?
best done acutely or no later than w/in 6wks of injury
Adhesive Capsulitis:
- aka
- what is it
- epidemiology
frozen shoulder
idiopathic loss of BOTH active and passive motion
inflammatory process involving the glenohumeral capsule
40-60yo
Adhesive Capsulitis: related conditions
MC RF: DM type 1
Hypothyroidism
Dupuytren contracture
C5 disk herniation
Parkinson’s disease
Adhesive Capsulitis: presentation
gradual ROM loss (pt unaware) (EXT ROTATION, ABduction, flexion)
pain
- at rest: dull, achy
- end range: sharp
diffuse shoulder tenderness
Adhesive Capsulitis: diagnostics
xray
MRI (contracted capsule, loss of inf pouch)
Adhesive Capsulitis: course/phases
freezing phase: pain, progressive loss of motion
thawing phase: dec discomfort w/ slow/steady inc in ROM
6mo-2yr to resolve
Adhesive Capsulitis: treatment
wait it out
intra-articular steroid injection
PT (+ tramadol)
no improvement x 9-12mo: surgery
Lateral Epicondylitis:
- aka
- what is it
- etiology
tennis elbow
point and click elbow
overuse inflammatory injury involving common extensor tendon
repetitive wrist extension or wrist + finger extension
Lateral Epicondylitis: presentation
sig pain + 3/5 strength w/ 3rd digit resisted extension
Tendonitis
tendon overuse injury
inflammation (4-8wks)
fiber disruption/degeneration
Tendonosis
stalled inflammatory process (6-8wks)
fiber disorganization
pronounced degeneration
Lateral Epicondylitis: treatment (tendonitis)
NSAIDs activity modification ice stretch + strengthen supportive bracing steroid injection
Lateral Epicondylitis: treatment (tendonosis)
activity modification
PT/OT
stretch + strengthen
supportive bracing
Steroid Injection: ADEs
dimpling
hypopigmentation (resolves 3-6mo)
tendon rupture
Tendonosis Treatment Components
modify aggravating activity
correct biomechanics
address degeneration
- ASTYM
- graston
- dry needling
- PRP injections
therapeutic exercise
- stretching
- strengthening
Medial Epicondylitis:
- aka
- presentation
golfer’s elbow
pain w/ flexion
med elbow pain
weakness w/ wrist/finger flexion
TTP
ulnar neuropathy
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture: epidemiology
M >40yo w/ preexisting degenerative changes
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture: MOI
rapid eccentric contraction –> distal tendon tear at radial insertion
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture: diagnostics
initial: xray
gold standard: MRI
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture: treatment
nonsurgical:
- partial tear: brace + limit ROM x 4wks
- complete tear: older pts w/ sedentary lifestyle
surgical: (young active individuals)
- complete rupture
- elective partial tears
**need to do surgery w/in 10d
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury: special tests
valgus stress
milking maneuver
moving valgus stress
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury: diagnostics
xray (r/o avulsion fx –> MC <18yo)
MR arthrogram of elbow (gold standard)
Non-Inflammatory Bursitis: what is it
repeated trauma –> excess fluid develops w/in bursa –> swelling/enlarge
Non-Inflammatory Olecranon Bursitis: presentation
swelling at tip of elbow
NO pain, redness, warmth
full, painless ROM
Inflammatory Olecranon Bursitis:
- etiology
- presentation
result of infx
swelling at tip of elbow
marked warmth, redness, pain w/ palpation
limited flexion
Olecranon Bursitis: treatment
small effusion:
- ice
- compression sleeve
- NSAIDs
- activity modification
large effusion/infected:
- aspiration
- abx
Elbow Dislocations: MOI
FOOSH
**posterior dislocation + coronoid process fx = common
What is the MC joint dislocation in children?
elbow