Orthopaedics Flashcards
List the rotator cuff muscles and their actions?
- Supraspinatus – initiation of abduction
- Infraspinatus – external rotation
- Teres minor – external rotation
- Subscapularis – internal rotation
Shoulder red flag:
- Trauma, pain and weakness or sudden loss of ability to actively raise the arm (with or without trauma)
suspect rotator cuff tear
Shoulder red flag:
any shoulder mass or swelling?
suspect malignancy
Shoulder red flag:
red skin, painful joint, fever or person is systemically unwell?
suspect septic arthritis
Shoulder red flag:
trauma leading to loss of rotation and abnormal shape?
suspect dislocation
Shoulder red flag:
new symptoms of inflammation in several joints?
suspect inflammatory arthritis
What is impingement syndrome
This is a syndrome where the tendons of the rotator cuff (predominantly supraspinatus) are compressed in the tight subacromial space during movement producing pain
What are the main causes of impingement syndrome?
- Tendonitis (this will mainly be caused by overuse/ age – think wear and tear e.g. lots of sports and swimming)
- Subacromial bursitis (this will mainly be caused by overuse/ age – think wear and tear e.g. lots of sports and swimming)
- Acromioclavicular OA with inferior osteophyte
- A hooked acromion rotator cuff tear
Positive Hawkins kennedy test suggests?
impingement syndrome
this is pain on flexed and internally rotated shoulder
Presentation of impingement syndrome?
- Painful abduction arc
- Pain from impingement characteristically radiates to the deltoid and upper arm
- Tenderness may be felt below the lateral edge of the acromion
- Hawkins Kennedy test (IR flexed shoulder recreates pain)
- Generally, would not need any investigations
Management of impingement syndrome?
- Rest (in acute phase) and NSAIDs
- Exercise/ physio
- Subacromial injection of steroid
- Do not give more than 2 injections (only give a 2nd if actually had improvement) – risk of tendon damage
- Refer if not benefitting from treatment
- Orthopaedics can do subacromial decompression surgery
Explain what a rotator cuff tear is?
- Tendons (usually of supraspinatus) of the rotator cuff can tear with minimal or no trauma as a consequence of degenerative changes in the tendons
- e.g. a sudden jerk when on a bus holding a rail, then subsequent pain and weakness
- at least 20% of over 60 yo have asymptomatic cuff tears due to tendon degeneration
- in young people can get rotator cuff tendon tears due to significant injury .eg. shoulder dislocation but this is very uncommon
What tendon is usually involved in a rotator cuff tear?
supraspinatus
Presentation of a rotator cuff tear?
- Pain and weakness in shoulder
- May be sudden if associated with an event or gradual
- Weakness in rotator cuff muscles on examination
Rotator cuff tears can be seen on what type of imaging?
MRI or ultrasound but not XR
Management of rotator cuff tears?
- Acute rotator cuff tears by trauma should be referred to secondary care
- Optimal treatment is controversial
- Can have surgery however around a third of surgeries fail
- Many patients do well with physiotherapy to strengthen up the remaining cuff muscles which can compensate for the loss of supraspinatus
- Subacromial injection may help symptoms
What is adhesive capsulitis/ frozen shoulder?
- Disorder characterised by progressive pain and stiffness of the shoulder in patients between 40 and 60, resolving after around 18-24 months
- Aetiology is unclear – the capsule and glenohumeral ligaments become inflamed then thicken and contract
Presentation of frozen shoulder?
- Initially pain which will subside after 2-9 months
- Stiffness then follows for around 4-12 months
- The stiffness gradually thaws out over time with good recovery of shoulder motion
- The principle clinical sign is loss of external rotation (along with restriction of other movements) which can also occur in OA but this tends to affect older patients
Investigations for frozen shoulder?
- Diagnosis is clinical
- The main diagnostic test is the inability to do passive external rotation
- XR are usually only necessary if the presentation is atypical or the patient is not responding to treatment
- XR re commonly normal
- Blood tests and radiography only need to be performed if red flag shoulder symptoms are present
Management for frozen shoulder?
Consider referral to secondary care if pain and significant disability are present for more than six months despite appropriate conservative management
Best treatments are still quite unclear:
1. Analgesia – paracetamol and NSAIDs, use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machine may also be helpful
2. Encourage early activity
3. Physiotherapy with joint mobilisation combined with stretching exercises
4. Passive mobilisation and capsular stretching
5. Injection with corticosteroids can reduce pain and duration of symptoms in early stages
6. Surgical management can involve manipulation under anaesthesia and arthroscopic capsulotomy
Prognosis for frozen shoulder?
- The condition is generally self-limiting and over 90% of patients have returned to normal levels of functioning after 2 years without any treatment
- Relapses in the same shoulder are uncommon
- Some patients can have symptoms that last for several years of symptoms that never fully resolve
What are the 2 types of shoulder instability? explain?
traumatic - some shoulders after anterior dislocations do not stabilise and get recurrent subluxations and dislocations
atraumatic- idiopathic ligamentous laxity or Ehlers-Danlos or Marfans
What predicts the likelihood of further shoulder dislocations?
age at first dislocation
80% re dislocation rate in under 20s
20% re dislocation rate in over 30s
Treatment for recurrent shoulder dislocations caused by traumatic instability?
bankart repair (open or arthroscopic - reattachment of the labrum and capsule to the anterior glenoid which was torn off in first dislocation)
What is the carpal tunnel and what are its contents?
- The carpal tunnel of the wrist is formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum
- The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel along with 9 flexor tendons (FDS and FDP to 4 digits plus FPL)
- Flexor digitorum superficialis action = flexion at the PIPs
- Flexor digitorum profundus action= flexion at the DIPs
What does the median nerve innervate?
FDP - digits index and middle
FDS all of it
FPL
Thenar muscles
all muscles of the anterior compartment of the forearm except flexor carpi ulnas and digits 4 and 5 of FDP
In terms of cutaneous innervation, it does the palmar aspect of the thumb to middle finger and all their tips on both sides
What does the median nerve innervate?
FDP - digits index and middle
FDS all of it
FPL
Thenar muscles
all muscles of the anterior compartment of the forearm except flexor carpi ulnas and digits 4 and 5 of FDP
In terms of cutaneous innervation, it does the palmar aspect of the thumb to middle finger and all their tips on both sides
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Any swelling in the confines of the carpal tunnel can result in median nerve compression, the tendons are not particularly susceptible to compression, but the median nerve is
Causes/ who gets carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Most cases are idiopathic (risk factor is repetitive use e.g. typing) but can occur secondary to rheumatoid arthritis (synovitis means less space in tunnel), pregnancy, diabetes, chronic renal failure and hypothyroidism (all which cause fluid retention) and sometimes as a consequence of fractures around the wrist (esp Colles fracture)
- If occurs in pregnancy generally clears up after childbirth
- Women are up to 8 times more affected than men in general
Presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Paraesthesia in median nerve innervation (thumb, index and middle on palmar side and tips)
- Usually worse at night (because you may be flexing wrists in sleep which causes further compression)
- If more severe can get muscle wasting and weakness and patient may complain of clumsiness
- Examination may be loss of sensation or muscle wasting
- Symptoms can be reproduced by performing Tinel’s test (percussing over the median nerve) or Phalen’s test (holding the wrists hyperflexed) – note both need to be done for a while to work e.g. more than 30 secs
- Should also examine the neck to check this is not an alternative cause of symptoms (generally do different neck movements to see if reproduces pain and palpate along cervical spine)
What should you also examine apart from the hand in carpal tunnel syndrome?
cervical spine - check symptoms aren’t coming from something going on there - do movements and palpation to see if illicit symptoms
Two tests for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Tinel’s test (percussing over the median nerve) or Phalen’s test (holding the wrists hyperflexed) – note both need to be done for a while to work e.g. more than 30 secs
Investigations for carpal tunnel syndrome?
- In general you can make this is a clinical diagnosis
- May need to do additional investigations if you suspect an underlying cause
- Can consider the need for nerve conduction studies is the diagnosis is uncertain or referral for carpal tunnel surgery is planned
Management of carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Provide advice on sources of information and support
- Advice on lifestyle changes – e.. avoid repetitive hand wrist movement, arrange work place assessment if appropriate and driving safety
- Optimise management of any underlying conditions
- Trial nocturnal wrist splints e.g. spica splint
- Trial hand exercise/ mobilisation techniques
- Can also try and corticosteroid injection
- Surgical treatment involves carpal tunnel decompression, very successful surgery usually this is done if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment and/ or they are progressive and impacting on daily function
What is cubital tunnel syndrome and what can cause it?
- This involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel (elbow behind the medial epicondyle) – funny bone area
- Can be caused by constricting fascial bands, sequelae to a childhood ulnar fracture, elbow dislocation, repetitive elbow flexion and extension e.g. in manual labourers can cause entrapment
Presentation of cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Paraesthesia in the ulnar 1.5 fingers
- Weakness of the ulnar nerve innervated muscles and clumsiness may be present
- e.g. interossei muscles (PAD and DAB – abduction and adduction), lumbricals (MCP flexion) and adductor pollicis
- Inspect for claw hand in extreme cases – hyperextension at MCPs and flexion of PIPs in last two fingers
- Can assess the strength of adductor pollicis with Froment’s test – get person to hold paper with thumbs – should be able to hold onto paper and keep thumb straight, if they have to bend thumb (engaging FPL) or lose paper – the test is positive and suggests weakness of adductor pollicis
- Can also do Tinnel’s test over the cubital tunnel
Claw hand is a deformity associated with what nerve being dysfunctional?
ulnar nerve at the wrist
What tests can you do for cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Can assess the strength of adductor pollicis with Froment’s test – get person to hold paper with thumbs – should be able to hold onto paper and keep thumb straight, if they have to bend thumb (engaging FPL) or lose paper – the test is positive and suggests weakness of adductor pollicis
- Can also do Tinnel’s test over the cubital tunnel
Investigations for cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Nerve conduction studies are usually performed to confirm a clinical diagnosis
- Ultrasound can be good for diagnosing the cause and site of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
Management of cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Avoidance of aggravating factors e.g. prolonged full elbow flexion and pressure on the wrist may be sufficient in mild cases
- Nocturnal splinted at 45 degrees has been shown to be helpful
- Surgical decompression in those with persistent paraesthesia or objective weakness should be done to prevent muscle atrophy which is largely irreversible
Tennis elbow vs golfer elbow?
tennis = lateral epicondylitis = extension issue = bringing dorsal of hand towards face/ upwards
golfer = medial epicondylitis = flexion issue = bringing palm of hand down
What is tennis elbow?
lateral epicondylitis
* Repetitive strain injury in tennis players and others whom regularly perform resisted extension at the wrist
* Can occur in construction workers, using tools etc.
Presentation of tennis elbow?
- Insidious onset usually with no clear trigger
- Painful and tender lateral epicondyle
- Pain radiates down the extensor aspect of the forearm – the posterior forearm
- Exacerbation by activities that involves excessive and repetitive use of extensor muscles of the forearm – strong gripping and wrist movements
- Pain on resisted middle finger and wrist extension
- Reduced grip strength due to pain
- Preserved range of active and passive movements however
Management of tennis elbow?
- Generally self-limiting and spontaneously improves in 80-90% of people over 1-2 years
- Apply ice or heat to relieve pain
- Rest arm for 6 weeks
- Consider forearm strap/ wrist or elbow brace
- Corticosteroid injection can help in short term but not long term
- Refer to orthopaedics if uncertain diagnosis or pain persists despite 6-12 months primary care management
Explain pronation vs supination?
pronation is hand in anatomical position moved to palm facing downwards, supination is bringing hand back to anatomical position
What is golfers elbow?
- medial epicondylitis
- Repetitive strain injury in Golfers or people who regularly perform resisted flexion at wrist
- Less common than tennis elbow
What is more common tennis or golfer elbow?
tennis
What related condition can golfers elbow cause?
ulnar neuropathy
Presentation of golfers elbow?
- Pain and tenderness over medial epicondyle radiating into the forearm
- Aggravated by grasping objects and shaking hands
- Pain on resisted wrist flexion and pronation
Management of golfer elbow?
- Generally self-limiting and spontaneously improves in 80-90% of people over 1-2 years
- Apply ice or heat to relieve pain
- Rest arm for 6 weeks
- Consider forearm strap/ wrist or elbow brace
- Corticosteroid injections should not really be used as risk of hitting the ulnar nerve
- Refer to orthopaedics if uncertain diagnosis or pain persists despite 6-12 months primary care management
Steroid injection in golfer vs tennis elbow?
steroid injection generally only helps pain - not particularly helpful long term and kind of controversial over a good thing to do or not
shouldn’t do it in golfer elbow because risk of damaging the ulnar nerve
Steroid injection in golfer vs tennis elbow?
steroid injection generally only helps pain - not particularly helpful long term and kind of controversial over a good thing to do or not
shouldn’t do it in golfer elbow because risk of damaging the ulnar nerve
Bony tenderness over either malleolus and inability to weight bear
need ankle xr ?ankle fracture
What is dupuytrens contracture?
- Thickening and contracture of the subdermal fascia leading to fixed flexion deformity of the fingers
- The pathology is in the palmar fascia not the tendon
- There is the production of abnormal collagen, type 3 as opposed to type 1
In Dupuytrens contracture there is production of abnormal _____
collagen - type 3 as opposes to type 1
Pathology of dupuytrens contracture?
- It is a form of superficial fibromatoses
- Fibromatoses are basically fibrous overgrowth, kind of on the spectrum of benign and malignant because don’t really know what causes them and they are infiltrative but don’t metastasise
- You can get deep fibromatoses in the abdomen
What is Peyronies disease?
equivalent of dupuytrens contracture but on the penis
Aetiology/ risk factors for dupuytrens contracture?
- Not fully understood why this condition develops
- Tends to be more in males than females
- There is thought to be a genetic component and then a trigger e.g. alcohol, cirrhosis, smoking, epilepsy medication or trauma etc.
Presentation of dupuytrens contracture?
- Painless gradual progression where the fixed flexion deformity of the fingers increases
- The skin of the hand may be adherent to the diseased fascia and puckered, palpable nodules may be present
- Contractures most commonly affect the ring and little finger
- About half of people have bilateral involvement
Treatment of dupuytrens contracture?
- Mild contractures may be tolerated by patients but surgery is offered if the disease is interfering with function
- Surgical options include: fasciectomy (remove diseased tissue), fasciotomy (division of the cords) or amputation if severe
- Disease can recur post surgery
Explain what trigger finger is and how it presents?
- Tendonitis of 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
- Movement of the finger produces a clicking sensation as this nodule catches on and then passes underneath the pulley
- This sensation may be painful and the finger may lock in a flexed position as the nodule passes under the pulley but cannot go back through on extension
- The patient may have to forcibly manipulate the finger to regain extension, usually with pain
What are the most commonly affected fingers in trigger finger?
middle and ring
Management of trigger finger?
- In most cases injection of steroid around the tendon within the sheath will relieve symptoms
- Surgery can be offered in recurrent or persistent cases
Explain what tenosynovitis is?
- The finger flexor tendons run through synovial sheaths and under loops that hold them in place
- Tenosynovitis = inflammation of the synovial sheaths lining the tendons
Causes of tenosynovitis?
- Causes of tenosynovitis include repetitive strain sort injury or inflammation due to inflammatory arthritis e.g. rheumatoid arthritis