Orthopaedics Flashcards
What are growth plates ( epiphyseal plates ) ?
They are areas of at the ends of long bones that allow the bones to grow in length. They are made of hyaline cartilage and sit between the epiphysis and metaphysis.
What are some bone features that differ in children to adults ?
Children have growth plates where adults dont
Children have more cancellous bone - spongy
Adults have more cortical bone.
Children more prone to greenstick fractures due to increases flexibility.
Bones in children have a better blood supply so heal quicker
What are some types of fractures ?
Buckle
Transverse
Oblique
Spiral
Segmental
Salter-Harris ( growth plate fracture )
Comminuted
Greenstick
What can fractures at the growth plate cause ?
Issues of growth in that bone
What classification is used for growth plate fractures ?
Salter-Harris classification
What are the different types of fractures in the salter-Harris classification ?
Type 1 - straight across
Type 2 - above the growth plate
Type 3 - below the fracture
Type 4 - through the growth fracture
Type 5 - crush fracture
What is the first principle of fracture management and how is it achieved ?
Mechanical alignment :
- closed reduction via manipulation of the joint
- open reduction via surgery
What is the second principle of fracture management and how is it achieved ?
Relative stability done by fixing the bone in the correct position
-External cast
-K wires
- intramedullary wires
- intramedullary nails
- screws
- plate and screws
What is the pain management of fractures ?
Step 1 - paracetamol or ibuprofen
Step 2 - morphine
What can present alongside hip pain ?
Limp
Refusal to use the affected leg
Refusal to weight bear
Inability to walk
Pain
Swollen or tender joint
What are the most common causes of joint pain in 0-4 years old ?
Septic arthritis
Developmental dysplasia of the hip
Transient sinovitis
What are the most common causes of joint pain in 5-10 years old ?
Septic arthritis
Transient sinovitis
Perthes disease
What are the most common causes of joint pain in 10-16 years old ?
Septic arthritis
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
What are some red flags for hip pain suggesting a serious pathology ?
Child under 3 years
Fever
Waking at night with pain
Weight loss
Anorexia
Night sweats
Fatigue
Persistent pain
Stiffness in the morning
Swollen and red joint
What are some criteria for an urgent referral in relation to a limping child ?
Child under 3
Child over 9 with a restricted or painful hip
Not able to weight bear
Evidence of neurovascular compromise
Severe pain or agitation
Suspicion of abuse
What investigations should be performed for hip pain and what will they show ?
Blood tests - CRP and ESR for juvenile inflammatory arthritis
X-rays - fractures, SUFE
USS - effusion
Joint aspiration - septic arthritis
MRI - osteomyelitis
What is septic arthritis ?
Refers to infection inside a joint and can occur at any age.
It is an emergency as the infection can quickly begin to destroy the joint and cause serious systemic illness.
What is septic arthritis a common complication of ?
Joint replacement
How does septic arthritis present ?
Usually affects a single joint
Rapid onset of :
- hot, red, swollen and painful joint
- refusing to weight bear
- stiffness and reduced range of motion
- systemic symptoms such as fever, lethargy and sepsis
What is the most common bacteria to cause septic arthritis and some others ?
Staph aureus - most common
Neisseria gonorrhoea
Group A strep
Haemophilus influenza
E.coli
What are some differentials for septic arthritis ?
Transient sinovitis
Perthes disease
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
What investigations should be performed if septic arthritis is suspected ?
Joint aspirate - gram staining, crystal microscopy, culture and antibiotic sensitivities
What is the management of septic arthritis ?
Empirical IV antibiotics for 3- 6 weeks
Surgical drainage and washout
What is transient synovitis ?
Irritable hip - temporary irritation and inflammation in the synovial membrane of the joint.
Often associated with a viral URTI
What is the presentation of transient synovitis ?
Symptoms of a viral illness
Limp
Refusal to weight bear
Groin or hip pain
Mild low grade temperature
What is the management of transient synovitis ?
Simple analgesia
Safety netting
What is the prognosis of transient synovitis ?
Resolution within 1-2 weeks
What is Perthes disease ?
Involves disruption of blood flow to the femoral head causing avascular necrosis of the bone. This affects the epiphysis of the femur which is the none distal to the growth plate.
What is the main complication of perthes disease and how does it occur ?
Hip osteoarthritis - over time there is revascularisation or neovascularisation and healing of the femoral head. There is remodelling of the bone as it heals.
How does perthes disease present ?
Slow onset of :
- pain in the hip or groin
- limp
- restricted hip movements
- referred pain to the knee
What investigations should be performed when suspecting Perthes disease ?
X ray
Blood tests - especially inflammatory markers
Technetium bone scan
MRI scan
What is the management of perthes disease ?
Bed rest
Traction
Crutches
Analgesia
Physiotherapy
Surgery - older children that might not have healed properly
What is slipped upper femoral epiphysis ?
It is where the head of the femur is displaced along the growth plate.
When does slipped upper femoral epiphysis usually present ?
More common in boys 8-15 years old - average age of 12
Slightly younger in females at 11
How does Slipped upper femoral epiphysis present ?
Adolescent obese males
History of minor trauma
Hip, groin, thigh or knee pain
Restricted range of hip movement
Painful limp
Restricted range of motion
Limited internal rotation