Orthopaedics Flashcards
Describe the term arthritides.
Umbrella term for conditions causing inflammation and degradation of the joint which can include non-inflammatory (OA), inflammatory seropositive (RA) or inflammatory seronegative (psoriatic; crystal arthropathy; reactive; ankylosing spondylitis; enterohepatic arthritis)
How can arthritides be broadly classified?
- Degenerative: Osteoarthritis (OA)
* Inflammatory: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); Ankylosing spondylitis; Crystal arthropathies; Psoriatic Arthropathy
Outline the difference between articular and peri-articular pain.
- Articular pain = true joint pain
- Periarticular pain = pain in structures around a joint – e.g. tendonitis; bursitis; enthesitis
- Referred pain = pain referred from a distant site of pathology
State 4 structures present at a joint.
- Bone
- Joint capsule
- Tendon
- Ligament and enthesis
- Articular cartilage
- Bursa
- Synovium
Describe Osteoarthritis.
Degenerative joint disorder, a type of arthritide, caused by inflammation of the whole joint resulting in degradation of the articular cartilage, synovium and subchondral bone characterised by symptoms of joint pain, functional difficulties.
State 3 RFs for OA.
- Advanced age: > 50 years
- Female sex
- Genetic factors
- Obesity
- Knee malalignment: Varus thrust
- Physically demanding sport
- Occupation
How may osteoarthritis present?
• Joint pain: worse on movement; better on rest
• Functional difficulties: post-rest stiffness (‘gelling’)
• Swelling
- Heberden’s Nodes (DIP); Bouchard’s Nodes
Note: Heberden’s Nodes»_space;> Bouchard’s Nodes (common)
• Stiffness: Morning stiffness
• Antalgic gait
• Crepitus
• Effusion
• Bony deformities: Bouchard’s nodes (PIP)/Heberden’s nodes (DIP)
• Reduced range of movement
• Malalignment: genu valgum (knock-knees); genu varum (bow-legs)
Note: Varus thrust (worsening varus alignment when weight-bearing) = worsened medial knee OA
Which finger swellings are more present in OA? Describe what joints are typically affected.
Heberden’s Nodes - swelling of the DIP
What are the 4 radiographic signs seen in OA on XR.
Mnemonic: LOSS
- Loss of joint space (JSN)
- Osteophyte (bony spurs)
- Subchondral sclerosis (hardening of bone)
- Subchondral cysts (fluid filled spaces)
What Grading System may be used to objectively measure OA on XR.
Outline the grades.
Kellgren-Lawrence Grading System
Grade 0 = no OA
Grade 1 = doubtful JSN and possible OPs
Grade 2 = OPs and possible JSN
Grade 3 = multiple OPs, definite JSN, cystic areas with sclerotic walls and possible bony contour deformity
Grade 4 = large OPs, multiple sclerotic areas and deformity of bone contour
A XR-knee shows definite JSN loss and multiple OPs, what grade of KL is this?
Grade 3
An XR-Hip shows doubtful JSN but some possible osteophytes. What KL grade is this?
Grade 1
An XR-Knee shows definite osteophytes and possible JSN, it is unclear. What KL grade is this?
Grade 2
An XR-Hip shows multiple large osteophytes, definite JSN and severe sclerosis.
What KL Grade is this?
Grade 4
How do you manage patient with OA?
Supportive: education/ weight loss/ self-management/ exercise
Medical: analgesia (paracetamol/diclofenac/tramadol/co-codamol); Methylprednisolone IA
Surgery: Total knee arthroplasty
Describe septic arthritis?
Infection of ≥ 1 joints caused by a pathogen either through direct inoculation or via haematogenous spread which is characterised by joint pain, fever and potential haemodynamic instability
State 3 pathogens that may cause Septic Arthritis.
- S. aureus
- N. gonorrhoea
- N. meningitidis
- M. tuberculosis
State 3 RFs for Septic Arthritis.
- Pre-existing joint disease – RA/OA
- Prosthetic joint
- IVDU
- Immunosuppressed
- Diabetes mellitus
- PMHx of IA corticosteroid injections/surgery
What investigations would confirm a suspected case of septic arthritis?
• Arthrocentesis + Gram stain + White cell count: Pathogen present; Urate or pyrophosphate crystals may be present; Normal (≤ 3000 WCC/mm3)/ Inflammatory fluid (> 3000WCC/mm3)/ Septic fluid (up to 75 000 WCC/mm3)
-> Send to lab for urgent processing; Act on clinical suspicion at the time
• FBC: Leukocytosis perhaps
• CRP: Elevated
• Swab + Culture (Urethra/Cervix/Anorectum): Positive for gonococcal infection
How would you manage a patient with septic arthritis of a native joint?
• ABX: Ceftriaxone (Meningococcal)/ Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin (Gonococcal)/ ∑ Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Pyrazinamide + Ethambutol (TB)/ Vancomycin (Gram Positive)
±
• Surgery: Joint aspiration
±
• Analgesia: Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen/ Diclofenac
How do you manage a case of septic arthritis in a prosthetic joint without systemic involvement?
ABX
+
• Surgery: Arthrocentesis/Joint replacement
±
• Analgesia: Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen/ Diclofenac
Describe osteomyelitis.
Infection of the bone caused by pathogen (commonly Staphylococcus spp.) transmitted by hematogenous spread or direct inoculation involving a single bone
How may osteomyelitis present?
- Pain: at site of infection
- Fever
- Malaise
- Fatigue
- Inflammation
- Erythema
- Reduced range of movement
What would an XR of a bone with osteomyelitis show?
• XR: Osteopenia; Bone destruction; Periosteal reaction; Cavities; Involucrum (thick sheath of periosteal bone surrounding sequestrum); Sequestrum (necrotic bone fragment); Cloacae (opening of involucrum)
What is the involucrum in osteomyelitis?
Periosteal thickened sheath of bone surrounding sequestrum
What is the sequestrum in osteomyelitis?
Necrotic bone fragment
What is the cloacae in osteomyelitis?
Opening of the involucrum - the thick sheath of periosteal bone
How would you manage osteomyelitis?
• Supportive: Analgesia/ Immobilisation/ Mobilisation/ Specialist referral
+
• ABX: Vancomycin; Pip/Taz
What is a soft tissue sarcoma?
Umbrella term for solid tumour of connective tissue (mesenchymal) which presents as soft-tissue swelling and diagnosed upon biopsy. Two main categories are sarcoma of bone or sarcoma of soft tissues.
What are the clinical features of a soft tissue sarcoma?
- Mass: no pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
- Other Sx related to System affected: GI bleed; Rash; Acute abdomen
How may you manage a soft tissue sarcoma?
- MDT Referral: Surgical excision + radiotherapy + chemotherapy
What is an Ewing Sarcoma?
malignant bone tumour from neuroectodermal cells often present in the diaphyses of long bones and the pelvis present in young adults
Outline the clinical features of Ewing Sarcoma.
- Diaphyses of long bones and pelvis
- B symptoms
- Pain
- Hyperthermia
- Swelling after trauma (presents following trauma)
- In M and young adults
How may you manage an Ewing Sarcoma?
- Surgery: Resection \+ - Chemotherapy \+ - Radiotherapy
Describe what an Osteosarcoma is?
malignant, osteoid tumour from mesenchymal stem cells (Obs) in periosteum commonly in the metaphyses of long bones (femur and tibia) of young adults with progressive swelling and pain limiting ROM and gait
What is the term for the radiological feature showing a periosteal damage which lifts off the periosteum without replacement, leaving a triangular gap?
What bone cancer is this seen in?
Codman Triangle
Osteosarcoma
How do you manage Osteosarcoma?
- Surgery: Resection
+ - Chemotherapy
What is a chondrosarcoma?
malignant tumour arising from mesenchymal cells producing cartilage
What is the benign precursor to a chondrosarcoma?
Osteochondroma
How may a Chondrosarcoma present?
- Deep, dull pain
- Localised swelling
- Pathological fractures
- NV disturbance
- In 50+ y/o
What are the key radiological findings shown in a Chondrosarcoma.
Calcifications, Osteolysis, Endosteal scalloping
How do you manage a Chondrosarcoma?
- Surgery: Resection \+ - Chemotherapy \+ - Radiotherapy
Describe a Scoliosis.
A lateral curvature of the spine (and also a rotational deformity) which can be idiopathic or secondary to neuromuscular disease, tumour, skeletal dysplasia or infection. Painful scoliosis needs investigation (MRI for tumours, infections).
What are the clinical features of Scoliosis?
- Shoulder asymmetry
- Asymmetry
What is the term for the angle used to quantify the curvature in the spine?
Cobb Angle
What is the threshold for spinal curvature to label a spine scoliotic?
Cobb angle > 10º
How do you manage Scoliosis?
Cobb angle ≤45º
- Supportive: Exercise; Physiotherapy
± (20º 45º)
- Surgery: Arthrodesis
What is a spondylolisthesis?
Slipping of one vertebra over another and usually occurs at L4/L5 and L5/S1. Associated with increased body weight or increased sporting activity.
How may a spondylolisthesis present?
- Lower back pain
- Radiculopathy
- Flat back- due to muscle spasm
How may a spondylolisthesis be managed?
- Minor- physio
* Severe- stabilisation
What is mechanical back pain?
Recurrent relapsing and remitting back pain with no focal neurological symptoms, relieved by rest and in the absence of red flag symptoms
How may mechanical back pain be managed?
Supportive: simple analgesia; exercise; physiotherapy
Medical: Ibuprofen/Paracetamol; Co-codamol; Tramadol
Surgical: Spinal stabilisation; Decompression
What portion of the intervertebral disc is damaged in an acute disc tear?
Tear in AF with protruding NP
What augments the pain in an acute disc tear?
Movement
Coughing
What effect will coughing have on the pain in an acute disc tear?
Worsens - raised intrathoracic pressure on disc
How may an acute disc tear be managed?
Analgesia and Physio
Surgery - stabilisation (discectomy and corpectomy with metallic cage, compressible or non-compressible)
What is Sciatica?
Disc material impinging on exiting spinal nerve root resulting in pain and altered motor/sensation in a dermatomal distribution
What clinical finds would be present if there is impingement at L3/L4 vertebral level?
L4 nerve affected
Pain down to the medial ankle (L4 dermatome)
Reduced quad power (extensor thigh compartment)
Reduced patellar tendon reflex
What clinical finds would be present if there is impingement at L4/L5 vertebral level?
L5 nerve affected
Pain affecting dorsum of foot and anterolateral leg.
Reduced power of EHL, EHL and TA (all supplied by deep peroneal nerve
What clinical finds would be present if there is impingement at L5/S1 vertebral level?
S1 nerve affected
Pain to the sole of the foot
Reduced plantarflexion and reduced ankle jerk tendon reflex
Which nerves does the Sciatic nerve give rise to?
Divides into:
Common fibular nerve
Sural nerve
Tibial nerve
Which nerves form the Sural Nerve?
Medial cutaneous branch of Tibial nerve and Lateral cutaneous branch from Common Peroneal Nerve
What is Bony Nerve Root Entrapment?
OA of facet joints leading to osteophyte formation hence impingement of exiting nerve roots
How is OA of facet joints managed?
Supportive - rest; exercise
Medical - analgesia
Surgery - decompression
Define spinal stenosis.
Reduced space within spinal canal which may compress multiple nerve roots
How may neurological claudication differ to vascular claudication?
Cause is neurological, not due to endothelial damage and subsequent atherosclerotic changes
Distance differs
Pain is burning
Pain is less severe walking up hill and bending forwards
Pedal pulses preserved
How may a spinal stenosis present?
- LBP: Neuropathic; insidious and duration; radiates down leg
- Claudication: neurogenic claudication; weakness in thighs; bend over to relieve; stooped posture;
- Leg weakness
How may spinal stenosis be treated?
- Physiotherapy
- Weight loss
- MRI evidence of stenosis may make patients candidates for
Define Cauda Equina syndrome.
Large central disc prolapse compressing all nerve roots of the cauda equina (below L2) resulting in altered perineal sensation, defeacation, urination and back pain
How may Cauda Equina present?
- Bilateral leg pain
- Paraesthesia or numbness- around sitting area and perineum
- Urinary retention
- Faecal incontinence and constipation
What investigation is required to diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome?
• Urgent MRI to determine level of disc prolapse
How is Cauda Equina treated?
Surgical management - urgent discectomy
Define an Osteoporotic crush fracture.
With severe osteoporosis, spontaneous crush fractures of the vertebral body can occur
How may an Osteoporotic crush fracture be treated?
Conservative - analgesia and rest
Surgery - Vertebroplasty
Define Cervical Spondylosis.
This is a reduction in H20 content of the intervertebral discs leading to increased load on facet joints and accelerated OA.
Define Cervical Disc Prolapse.
erve root compression can cause shooting neuralgic pain in a dermatomal distribution with weakness and loss of reflexes. Typically involves the lower nerve root e.g. C5/C6 prolapse- C6 spinal nerve affected.
Give 3 conditions in which cervical spine instability may occur.
RA
Down Syndrome
Previous Injury
Chiari Malformation
Connective Tissue Diseases e.g. Ehler-Dahnloss Syndrome
What form of cervical spine instability may patients with Down Syndrome experience?
Atlanto-occipital instability - potential for subluxation
Define shoulder impingement.
This is when the tendons of the rotator cuff (predominantly supraspinous) are compressed in the sub acromial space.
State 3 causes of shoulder impingement.
Subacromial bursitis
AC OA
Hooked acromion rotator cuff tear
What are the clinical features of Shoulder Impingement?
- Painful arc between 60 and 120 degrees
- Pain radiates to deltoid and upper limb
- Tenderness may be felt below lateral edge of the acromion
- Hawkins kennedy test (Internal rotation of flexed shoulder) recreates the pain
How may you differentiate between shoulder impingement and a rotator cuff pathology?
Shoulder impingement may not be painful when movement is passive as the tendon is not engaged if muscle is not actively contracting
How may you manage a shoulder impingement?
- NSAIDs, analgesia and physio
- Subacromial steroid injection (up to three times)
- If it still doesn’t improve subarcomial decompression surgery is an option
Define a rotator cuff tear.
The tendons of the rotator cuff muscles (subscapularis, supraspinatous, infraspinatous and teres minor) can tear with minimal force. Classic Hx of sudden jerking motion in a patient >40 with subsequent pain and weakness. Tears can be partial or full thickness.
A jobe’s test is used to …
Test supraspinatus muscle
What does the painful arc test for?
Supraspinatus impingement
What does external rotation against resistance test for?
Infraspinatus and teres minor
The Gerber’s lift-off test examines which muscle?
Subscapularis
The Scarf test examines the function of…
The AC Joint
What is the gold standard imaging to diagnose a rotator cuff tear?
MRI
or US if metal work in the body
How would you manage a rotator cuff injury?
Supportive: analgesia; physiotherapy
Medical: Steroid injection
Surgical: Subacromial decompression
Define adhesive capsulitis?
Outline the 3 phases
Progressive pain and stiffness of the shoulder with global reduction in movement.
3 phases:
- Painful phase (2-9 mo)
- Frozen phase (4-12 mo)
- Thawing phase
How is frozen shoulder syndrome diagnosed?
Clinical diagnosis - potential XR-Shoulder to exclude any other pathology
How may adhesive capsulitis be managed?
Supportive: analgesia; physiotherapy; steroid injections
What is Acute Calcific Tendonitis?
Calcium deposition in a tendon causing acute onset severe shoulder pain which is exacerbated by activity
How may Acute Calcific Tendonitis be diagnosed?
XR-Shoulder - calcific area shown on superior aspect of greater tuberosity
How is acute calcific tendonitis managed?
Subacromial steroid injection
Define shoulder instability.
Shoulder disclocation/subluxation - often antero-inferiorly (90%)
What radiological sign is observed in a posterior shoulder dislocation?
Lightbulb sign
How may a shoulder subluxation be managed?
Analgesia
Reduction
Immobilise in a sling
If recurrent - surgery e.g. Bankart Repair
Define Tennis Elbow.
Lateral epicondylitis whereby the lateral epicondyle is inflamed due to RSI causing micro tears in the common extensor origin
How may Tennis Elbow present?
- Painful and tender lateral epicondyle
* Pain on resisted middle finger and wrist extension
How is Tennis Elbow managed?
- Usually self limiting- period of rest from activities that exacerbate the pain
- Physio
- NSAIDs
- Steroid injections
- Brace use
What is Golfers Elbow?
RSI due to overuse causing micro tears in the common flexor origin at the median epicondyle
How is Golfers Elbow managed?
- Physio
- NSAIDs
Define Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Median nerve compression when travelling through the wrist
The carpal tunnel is formed from the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum. 10 structures pass through the carpal tunnel, four tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis, four tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus, one tendon from the flexor pollicus longus and the median nerve. Any change in the carpal tunnel can cause compression of the median nerve.
State 3 causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Pregnancy RA Wrist Fractures Acromegaly Neoplasm Idiopathic Diabetes Oedema Scar tissue
Outline the clinical features of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Paraesthesia in the median nerve supplied area- the thumb, index and half of middle finger.
- Weakness of the thumb
- Muscle wasting of the thenar eminence.
- Tinels test- can reproduce symptoms by percussing over the median nerve.
- Phalens test- reproduce symptoms by holding the wrists hyperflexed
How may Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be managed?
- Non-operative- wrist splints at night to prevent flexion. Corticosteroid injection
- Carpal tunnel decompression- division of the transverse carpal ligament.
Define Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
This is compression of the ulnar nerve at the medial epicondyle. Can be due to tightness in the Osbornes fascia or tightness in the intermuscular septum where the nerve passes through two heads of flexor carpi ulnaris
What is Osborne’s Fascia?
Ligamentous tissue connecting Olecranon and Lateral Epicondyle - forming the cubital retinaculum
How may Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Present?
- Paraesthesia in the ulnar supplied areas- the little and ring finger plus half of the middle finger.
- Weakness of ulnar nerve supplied muscles
• Positive tinels test over cubital tunnel
What investigations may you order for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
FBC TFTs U+Es Ca2+ HbA1c
Nerve conduction studies- slowed conduction
How may you manage Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Surgical decompression
Define Dupuytrens Contracture.
A proliferative connective tissue disease where the palmar fascia undergoes hyperplasia with normal fascial bands producing nodules and cords progressing to contractures at the MCP and PIP joints.
What cell type is responsible for Dupuytren’s contracture?
Abnormal Collagen produced by myofibroblast cells
State 3 RFs for Dupuytrens Contracture.
FHx
Alcoholism
Diabetic
How may Dupuytren’s contracture present?
- Puckered skin
- Palpable nodules
- Ring and little finger most commonly affected
- Half of cases are bilateral
How may Dupuytren’s Contracture be managed?
- Mild contractures may be tolerated
- Surgery for contractures interfering with function. Fasciotomy- division of the cords. Fasciectomy- removal of diseased fascia.
Explain a trigger finger.
Tendonitis in a flexor tendon to a digit can result in nodular enlargement of the affected tendon- usually distal to a fascial pulley over the metacarpal neck (the A1 pulley). Movement of the finger produces a clicking sensation as the nodule catches then passes underneath the pulley, it cant go back to extension without help. Finger may lock in a flexed position. Most commonly affecting middle and ring finger.
Which fingers are most commonly affected in Trigger Finger?
Middle and Ring Finger
How may Trigger Finger be treated?
- Steroid injection around the tendon within the sheath
* Surgery in recurrent and persistent cases
Define a Ganglion cyst.
These are common mucinous filled cysts found adjacent to a tendon or synovial joint
What are the clinical features of a ganglion cyst?
Firm, smooth and rubbery
Transilluminates
Not painful
How may a Ganglion Cyst be managed?
Needle aspiration
Surgical excision
Where may a Giant Cell Tumour of the Tendon Sheath be found?
What colour are they and why?
In the palmar surface of the hand.
Containing MGCs and heamosidirin gives them a brown appearance
What two questions must you always ask in a history?
Locking - functional locking or mechanical locking
Giving way
Rupture of which meniscus is more common and why?
Medial > Lateral due to Medial being more fixed and less mobile
What is the usual MOA of a meniscus injury?
Twisting injury on a planted foot
What are the clinical features of a meniscal injury?
- Pain localising to the medial or lateral compartment
- Joint effusion and swelling occurring a day or so after
- Locking and mechanical symptoms
How may you clinically suspect a meniscal tear?
McMurray test
What is the gold standard imaging test for a meniscal injury?
MRI
How may you manage meniscal injury?
Supportive: physio; analgesia; movement
Surgical: Repair; Partial meniscectomy
Define ACL rupture.
The anterior cruciate ligament runs from the medial anterior tibia to the lateral posterior femoral condyle. It prevents the femur from sliding posteriorly on the tibia (or the tibia sliding anteriorly on the femur).
Where does the ACL originate and insert?
posteromedial corner of lateral femoral condyle to the anterior intercondyloid eminence of the tibia
What is the function of the ACL?
Prevent anterior tibial translocation
Which MOA may cause an ACL rupture?
MOA- high impact twisting injury (e.g. turning the upper body on a planted foot)
Valgus moment at knee and adduction moment at hip upon landing
What are the clinical features of an ACL rupture?
- Audible pop
- Haemarthrosis (seen clinically as swelling)
- Deep knee pain
- Rotational instability
• Positive anterior draw test- trying to pull the tibia forward when the knee is flexed and planted. Positive if there is excessive anterior translation.
What is the gold standard imaging for an ACL rupture?
MRI
How may an ACL rupture be managed?
- Non-operative techniques for those with poor demand e.g. those not involved in sports
- Arthroscopic anterior cruciate repair with hamstring or patellar tendon graft- symptomatic knee instability. Professional sportsmen.
Which triad is commonly affected during a high-velocity pivot/ high-velocity lateral blow (valgus moment) of the knee?
ACL
MCL
Medial meniscus
What is the blood supply of the ACL?
Middle Geniculate Artery
What is the innervation of the ACL?
Posterior articular nerve (branch of Tibial nerve)
What fracture is pathognomonic of an ACL injury?
Segond Fracture - avulsion fracture of the proximal lateral tibia
What is the management for an ACL injury?
Non-operative: physio; lifestyle modifications
Operative: ACL repair
Define a PCL rupture.
High velocity/force causing posterior tibial translation when the knee is flexed resulting in tearing of the fibres
What is the origin and insertion of the PCL?
Anterolateral aspect of medial femoral condyle to posterior aspect of medial tibia plateau
Outline the clinical features of a PCL injury?
- Knee pain
- Swelling- can range from mild to severe
- Instability
How may you manage a PCL injury?
- Isolated PCL rupture is only repaired if there is severe laxity or recurrent instability with frequent hyperextension or feeling unstable going down stairs
- PCL construction is usually performed if there is multiple ligamentous injury.
What is the MOA of a MCL injury?
Excessive valgus stress on the knee
Clinical features of a MCL injury?
- Laxity
- Pain on valgus stress
- Tenderness over insertion of the MCL
Management of an MCL injury?
- Acute tears are treated with hinged knee braces
* Chronic instability can be treated operatively with MCL tightening or reconstruction
How may you grade an MCL injury?
Grade 1 = minor sprain, high signal seen medial to ligament
Grade 2 = high signal medial to ligament and at ligament with slight tear
Grade 3 = complete disruption of the ligament
What is the origin and insertion of the MCL?
Medial aspect of distal femur to medial aspect of distal tibia