Orthopaedics Flashcards
What 5 things should be covered in the ‘look’ section of REMS hand and wrist?
Skin/nail changes Muscle wasting Swelling Joint deformity Scars
What is a swan neck deformity?
PIP hyperextension
DIP flexion
What is a boutonniere deformity?
PIP flexion
DIP hyperextension
How is sensation tested in REMS hand and wrist?
Radial - web space
Median - thenar eminence
Ulnar - little finger
What nerves are responsible for thumb abduction, wrist extension and finger abduction?
Thumb abduction - median
Wrist extension - radial
Finger abduction - ulnar
What is the most important thing to consider when assessing a fracture?
Soft tissue injury
What investigation is best for assessing intra-articular fractures?
CT
What 7 things are involved in fracture assessment?
Soft tissue injury Location Configuration Displacement Stability Open fractures Intra-articular fractures
What are the 9 types of fracture configuration?
Transverse Oblique Spiral Comminuted Segmental Avulsion Compression Torus/buckle Greenstick
What is meant by the angulation of a fracture?
Position of distal relative to proximal
What is meant by the translation of a fracture?
Medio-lateral/antero-posterior position
Expressed in percentage
Describe the Gustilo-Anderson grading for open fractures
Grade I - <1cm, mild contamination
Grade II - 1-10cm, moderate contamination
Grade IIIA - minimal periosteal stripping
Grade IIIB - significant periosteal stripping
Grade IIIC - associated vascular injury
What are the risks of an intra-articular fracture?
Pain
Stiffness
Post-traumatic OA
Give 4 types of conservative immobilisation
Cast
Splint
Sling
Traction
Give 4 types of surgical immobilisation
Smooth wires
Intramedullary nail
Plates and screws
External fixator
How can malunion be managed?
Osteotomy and refixation
What are the types and causes of non-union?
Atrophic - smoking, malnutrition, immunocompromised
Hypertrophic - immobilisation
What are the 3 main principles of fracture management?
Reduce
Retain
Rehabilitate
What is the difference in management between an intracapsular and extracapsular hip fracture?
Intracapsular - blood supply likely disrupted; needs replacement
Extracapsular - blood supply likely preserved; can be fixed with dynamic hip screw
What are the complications of a hip fracture/replacement?
Mortality (10% at 1 month, 30% at 1 year)
DVT
Chest infection
Dislocation of femoral head
What are the main concerns with a high energy pelvic fracture?
Damage to pelvic structures/organs
Damage to major blood vessels causing internal bleeding
How is a high energy pelvic fracture managed?
ATLS
Immobilisation - pelvic binder
Fixation - plates and screws
How is a low energy pelvic fracture managed?
Conservatively - usually heal spontaneously
What fracture is associated with hip dislocation?
Acetabular
What are the risks of hip dislocation?
Nerve damage - sciatic nerve
AVN
Post-traumatic arthritis
Recurrence (if artificial)
What artery is at risk of damage in knee dislocation?
Popliteal artery
How is a knee dislocation managed?
Reduce and splint
Angiogram
Ligamental reconstruction
What is the main concern with a femur fracture?
Massive haemorrhage causing hypovolaemic shock
How is a femur fracture managed?
Thomas-type splint
Intramedullary nail
What is the significance of the syndesmosis between the distal tibia and fibula in ankle fracture?
Determines management via Weber classification
What should be checked in an ankle fracture and why?
Subluxation/dislocation - needs to be reduced and splinted if present; soft tissue and articular surface can be damaged otherwise
What is a Lisfranc fracture?
Dislocation of midfoot between tarsal bones and base of metatarsals
Pitfall of foot fractures which is commonly missed but needs reduction and fixation
What are the causes of secondary OA in the hip?
Trauma Infection AVN DDH SUFE
Give 3 features of OA of the hip elicited from examination
Pain in buttock/groin/thigh/knee Antalgic/Trendelenberg gait Reduced ROM (internal rotation) Contractures \+ve Thomas's test
What are the radiological features of OA?
Joint space narrowing
Subchondral sclerosis
Subchondral cysts
Osteophyte formation
What are the management options for OA of the hip?
Conservative - weight loss, walking stick, NSAIDs, PT
Surgical - hip arthroplasty
Which side of the knee is more frequently affected in OA?
Medial
Give 3 features of OA of the knee elicited from examination
Pinpoint pain, particularly when climbing stairs Varus malalignment Effusion in supra-patellar pouch Contractures Reduced ROM Crepitus on movement
How is OA of the knee managed surgically?
Tibial osteotomy
Unicompartmental joint replacement
Total knee replacement
What is a tibial osteotomy?
Removal of a wedge of bone from the lateral side of the tibia to allow redistribution of load across knee joint and away from damaged medial side
What are the traumatic and non-traumatic causes of hip AVN?
Traumatic - femoral head/neck fracture, hip dislocation, SUFE
Non-traumatic - alcohol abuse, steroids, irradiation, haematological disease, decompression sickness, hyper-coaguable state, CTD, viral, idiopathic
By what mechanism do traumatic and non-traumatic AVN occur?
Traumatic - ischaemia
Non-traumatic - intra-vascular coagulation
What classification system is used for hip AVN?
Ficat classification 1 - minor osteopenia 2 - sclerosis and cysts 3 - loss of round shape 4 - secondary OA
Give 3 signs/symptoms of hip AVN
Insidious onset buttock/groin/hip/thigh pain
Limping patient
Stiff joint
What imaging is used for hip AVN in early and advanced disease?
X-ray - advanced disease
MRI - early disease
How is hip AVN managed?
Conservative - symptom control, bisphosphonates
Surgical - core decompression +/- bone grafting, rotational osteotomy, total hip resurfacing, total hip replacement
Why would a core decompression +/- bone grafting be performed for hip AVN?
Revacularisation of bone
What is a SUFE?
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis - fracture through the capital femoral physis, causing the epiphysis to ‘slip’ posteriorly and inferiorly
Who is most likely to present with SUFE?
10-16 year olds (rapid growth)
Males
African Americans
Obese
How does SUFE present?
Acute or insidious
Limp and groin pain (may be referred to thigh/knee)
Give 3 features of SUFE elicited on examination
Limp
Externally rotated and shortened leg
Tenderness
Reduced ROM
How is the stability of a SUFE judged?
Stable if able to weight bear
What 2 views are essential for SUFE x-ray?
AP
Frog leg lateral
What features of SUFE are seen on a frog leg lateral x-ray?
Disrupted Shenton’s line
Steel sign
Apparent widening of physis and decreased epiphysis height
Prominent lesser trochanter (external rotation)
Klein’s line fails to intersect lateral superior femur
What is Steel sign?
Additional shadow behind superior femoral neck
What is Klein’s line?
Line drawn along the superior edge of the femoral neck
What is DDH?
Developmental dysplasia of the hip - abnormal development of the hip resulting in shallow underdeveloped acetabulum +/- subluxation and hip dislocation
Give 3 risk factors for DDH
Female First born Left hip Breech position FH Other MSK abnormalities
How is DDH identified and managed in neonate to 3 months?
Identified - deep thigh creases, +ve Ortolani test, +ve Barlow test, reduced abduction, hip USS
Managed - splint in abduction and flexion using Pavlik harness
How is DDH identified and managed from 3-18 months?
Identified - leg length discrepancy, limited abduction, x-ray from 6 months
Managed - closed/open reduction under anaesthesia and immobilisation in spica cast for 3 months
How is DDH identified and managed from 1 year to walking age?
Identified - difficulty walking, lumbar lordosis, Trendelenberg gait, toe-walking
Managed - reduction and spica cast for 3 months +/- femoral/acetabular osteotomy
How is DDH identified and managed in later childhood/adolescence?
Identified - leg length discrepancy, large ROM, early OA on x-ray
Managed - osteotomy, total hip replacement if OA
What makes up the extensor mechanism of the leg and what is its function?
Quadriceps tendon, patella and patellar tendon
Allows extension of the leg at the knee joint
What patient type is likely to rupture their quadriceps tendon?
Elderly male with pre-existing tendinopathy
Give 3 signs/symptoms of quadriceps tendon rupture
Pain Bruising Swelling Tenderness Inability to extend knee against resistance Inability to SLR (total) Effusion
What is seen on x-ray of a quadriceps tendon rupture?
Effusion Patella baja (low lying patella)
What patient type is likely to rupture their patellar tendon?
Young males
Give 3 signs/symptoms of patellar tendon rupture
Infra-patellar pain Popping sensation at time of incident Elevated patella with haemarthrosis Tenderness Inability to SLR or extend knee (total) Reduced ROM Difficulty weight bearing
What is seen on x-ray of a patellar tendon rupture?
Proximal migration of patella (patella alta)
How is a quadriceps tendon rupture managed?
Open repair with cast/splint in extension
How is a patellar tendon rupture managed?
Conservative for partial = immobilisation in extension with PT
Surgical for complete - open repair
Give 3 risk factors for quadriceps and patellar tendon rupture
Previous tendon rupture
Corticosteroid injections
Steroid use
Co-morbidities (SLE, RA, diabetes)
What is the commonest mechanism of injury for a meniscal tear?
Twisting the knee while weight bearing
What are the signs/symptoms of a meniscal tear?
Pain Instability (stairs) Swelling Tenderness Reduced ROM Locking \+ve McMurray's test
What is McMurray’s test?
Compressing and twisting knee joint reproduces pain (meniscal tears)
What imaging is most useful for meniscal tears?
MRI
Diagnostic arthroscopy
Injury to which ligament in the knee makes up 75% of haemarthroses caused by sport?
ACL
What other structures are likely to be injured in an ACL tear?
Medial meniscus
Medial collateral ligament
What is the mechanism of injury of an ACL tear?
Forced flexion or hyperflexion, twisting injury or direct blow behind upper tibia
What are the signs/symptoms of an ACL tear?
Snapping sound/sensation Large rapid haemarthrosis Tenderness \+ve anterior drawer test \+ve Lachman's test
Give 3 complications of ACL/PCL tears
Instability
Loss of function
Meniscal tears
Early OA
What is the mechanism of injury of an PCL tear?
Hyperextension or forced displacement of upper tibia from femur
Falling onto an object
What are the signs/symptoms of a PCL tear?
Large haemarthrosis
Posterior sag
Tenderness
+ve posterior drawer test
What is the mechanism of injury of an MCL tear?
Twisting injury
What are the signs/symptoms of a MCL tear?
Bruising medially
Swelling
Tenderness
Laxity on valgus stress
Are MCL or LCL tears more common?
MCL
What is the mechanism of injury of an LCL tear?
Stretching/tearing when varus force applied to knee
What are the signs/symptoms of a LCL tear?
Brusing laterally
Swelling
Tenderness
Laxity on varus stress
What are the complications of a MCL injury?
Chronic valgus instability
Avulsion
What are the complications of a LCL injury?
Avulsion fracture at fibular head
Common peroneal nerve injury
What scoring systems are used for major trauma?
Injury severity score
Abbreviated injury scale
Revised trauma score
What is the golden hour in major trauma?
Period of time following an injury with the highest likelihood that prompt treatment will prevent death
How is c-spine stabilisation achieved in ATLS?
Triple immobilisation - hard collar, tape and blocks
Give 3 sources of major haemorrhage in trauma
Chest Abdomen Pelvis Retroperitoneum Long bones
What is shock?
A life-threatening condition of circulatory failure resulting in cellular injury and inadequate tissue function
Outline the features of a class I acute haemorrhage
Blood loss - <750cc (0-15%)
Fluids - crystalloids
Outline the features of a class II acute haemorrhage
Blood loss - 750-1500cc (15-30%) HR - increased PP - decreased Mental state - anxious Fluids - crystalloids
Outline the features of a class III acute haemorrhage
Blood loss - 1500-2000cc (30-40%) HR - increased PP - decreased BP - decreased Urine output - decreased Mental state - confused Fluids - crystalloids and blood
Outline the features of a class IV acute haemorrhage
Blood loss - >2000 (>40%) HR - increased PP - decreased BP - decreased Urine output - negligible Mental state - lethargic Fluids - crystalloids and blood
In general, how is a major trauma managed?
ATLS
Primary survery and secondary survey
What might be done as part of a secondary survey in major trauma?
Focused history
Complete systematic examination
Further imaging
Give 3 complications of major trauma
ARDS SIRS MOD Fat embolism syndrome Compartment syndrome
What causes fat embolism syndrome?
Pelvis/long bone fracture
Significant soft tissue injury
Give 3 symptoms of fat embolism syndrome
Hypoxia Low platelets Anaemia SOB Confusion Delirium Petechial rash
What is the mortality from fat embolism syndrome?
20%
What is a Volkmann’s contracture?
Irreversible muscle and nerve damage caused by compartment syndrome
Why might colloids be unsuitable for a post-operative patient?
Variable effect on haemostasis
Some reduce platelet function
Give 3 signs/symptoms of a surgical site infection
Purulent discharge
Erythema
Pain
Swelling
What is the difference between a superficial and deep surgical site infection?
Superficial - skin and subcutaneous tissue
Deep - fascia and muscle
What is the most common organism involved in hip arthroplasty infection?
Coagulase negative staphylococcus
What route of administration is best for post-operative analgesia?
Oral < IV < IM
Give 3 ways in which analgesia may be given post-operatively
Local anaesthetic
Regional via nerve catheter
Regional nerve block
What factors increase the risk of an AKI post-operatively?
Hypovolaemia
Reduced vascular resistance
Nephrotoxic agents
Prophylactic antibiotics
How is AKI managed post-operatively?
Loop diuretics only if overloaded
Ensure fluid balance is adequate
What are the risk factors for compartment syndrome?
Crush injury Rhabdomyolysis Long bone fracture Vascular limb injury Tissue ischaemia Coagulopathy
In which 2 patient populations do you need to beware of compartment syndrome?
Ventilated ITU patients
Regional/spinal anaesthesia
Why are orthopaedic patients at risk of thromboembolic disease?
Blood stasis (immobilisation) Endothelial injury (surgical position/manipulation) Hypercoagulability (increased blood loss and thromboplastins)
Give 2 methods of mechanical VTE prophylaxis
Early mobilisation
Graduated compression stockings
Intermittent pneumatic compression devices
Give 2 methods of pharmacological VTE prophylaxis
Aspirin
Warfarin
Apixaban
Clexane
How long after discharge can hypercoagulability last for a hip fracture?
6 weeks
What is the most common mechanism of injury of a clavicle #?
FOOSH
Direct blow to shoulder
How are clavicle # managed?
Usually conservative
ORIF if shortened/comminuted/Z pattern
Give 3 complications of clavicle #
Malunion Non-union Bump Stiffness Infection
How are clavicle # classified?
Lateral (15%)
Middle (80%)
Medial (5%)
What is the most common type of shoulder dislocation?
Anterior
What are proximal humerus # and brachial plexus injuries associated with?
Shoulder dislocation
How is shoulder dislocation managed?
Urgent reduction
Give 2 complications of anterior shoulder dislocation seen on x-ray
Bankhart lesion
Hill-Sachs lesion
What is a Bankhart lesion?
Anterior shoulder dislocation complication - injury to anterior glenoid
What is a Hill-Sachs lesion?
Anterior shoulder dislocation complication - depression in posterolateral head of humerus
What must be assessed in older patients who have a shoulder dislocation before discharge?
Rotator cuff injury
What is the most common mechanism of action of ACJ dislocation?
Direct blow to shoulder
How are ACJ dislocations classified?
Rockwood type 1-6
How are ACJ dislocations managed?
Grade 1-3 - conservative PT
Grade 4-6 - reconstruction/ORIF with hook plate
How are proximal humerus # classified?
Neer classification
How are proximal humerus # managed?
Depends on number of fragments and their displacement
In what type of # is axillary nerve palsy a complication?
Proximal humerus #
How are humeral shaft # classified?
Location - proximal, middle, distal
What is a Holstein-Lewis #?
Spiral fracture of distal 1/3 of humeral shaft associated with radial nerve palsy
How are humeral shaft # managed?
Usually conservative - humeral brace
Open, vascular injury, plexus injury, forearm fracture (floating elbow), polytrauma - ORIF
Is radial nerve palsy due to humeral shaft # an indication for surgery?
Only if palsy has occurred due to manipulation/intervention
What is the most common elbow #?
Radial head #
What is the most common mechanism of injury for radial head #?
FOOSH with pronated forearm
How are radial head # classified?
Mason types 1-4
What is an Essex-Lopresti injury?
Interossesous membrane disruption and distal radial ulnar joint (DRUJ) injury
How are radial head # managed?
Type 1 - conservative
Type 2 - conservative unless block to rotation
Type 3/4 - ORIF, excision or replacement
Give 2 complications of radial head #
Soft tissue injury - DRUJ, interosseous membrane, MCL, LCL, elbow dislocation
Loss of forearm movements
What is the ‘terrible triad’ of radial head # complications?
Elbow dislocation
Coronoid #
Radial head #
What is the most common type of elbow dislocation?
Posterolateral
What is the most common mechanism of elbow dislocation?
Axial loading, supination and valgus force
How are elbow dislocations classified?
Location of olecranon in relation to humerus - simple or complex
What is the ‘terrible triad’ of elbow dislocation?
Elbow dislocation (lateral ulnar collateral ligament injury)
Radial head #
Coronoid process #
How are elbow dislocations managed?
Closed reduction or ORIF with soft tissue repair
Give 2 complications of elbow dislocation
Stiffness
Instability
Heterotrophic ossification
Neurovascular injury