Paediatric MSK Conditions Flashcards
What are normal ‘perks’ seen in MSK paediatrics?
Curly Toes
Flat Feet
In-toeing
Genu Valgum
What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta?
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a defect of the maturation and organization of Type 1 Collagen (which accounts for most of the organic composition of bone).
What is the classic presentation of Osteogenesis Imperfecta?
Multiple Fragility Fractures of Childhood
Short stature with Multiple Deformities
Blue Sclerae
Loss of Hearing.
What is Skeletal Dysplasia?
Skeletal dysplasia is the medical term for short stature and is due to genetic error (hereditary or sporadic mutation) resulting in abnormal, congenital development of bone and connective tissue (cartilage).
What are the 2 main descriptive terms for Skeletal Dysplasia?
Proportionate meaning the limbs and spine proportionally short
Disproportionate, where the limbs are proportionally shorter or longer than spine
What is the commonest skeletal dysplasia?
Achondroplasia
How does Achondroplasia present?
Achondroplasia results in disproportionately short limbs with a prominent forehead (Frontal Bossing) and widened nose. Joints are lax, genu varum, normal intelligence and mental development is normal.
What is Marfan’s Syndrome?
Autosomal Dominant or Sporadic Mutation of the Fibrillin Gene resulting in Tall Stature with Disproportionately Long Limbs and Ligamentous Laxity.
What are associated symptoms of Marfan’s?
High Arched Palate
Scoliosis
Flattening of the Chest (Pectus Excavatum)
Eye Problems (Lens Dislocation, Retinal Detachment)
AAA and Cardiac Valve Incompetence.
Cardiac Abnormalities may result in premature death.
What is Ehlers-Dahlos Syndrome?
Heterogeneous condition which is often autosomal dominantly inherited with abnormal elastin and collagen formation.
What are clinical features of Ehlers-Dahlos Syndrome?
Profound Joint Hypermobility/Instability
Vascular Fragility with Ease of Bruising
Scoliosis
What are MSK manifestations of Down’s Syndrome?
Short stature
Joint laxity with possible recurrent dislocation (especially patella) which may require stabilization
What are muscular dystrophies?
Rare and usually X‐linked recessive hereditary disorders (thereforeonlyaffecting boys) resulting in progressive muscle weakness and wasting.
What is the most common muscular dystrophy?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
How is Duchenne’s inherited?
X-Linked Disease and therefore, is usually passed down from mothers to their sons - the mothers being carriers and the sons being affected by the disease.
However, 1/3 of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy cases are a result of Spontaneous Mutation.
How does Duchenne’s arise?
Defect in the Dystrophin Gene involved in Calcium Transport results in Muscle Weakness which may only be noticed when the boy starts to walk with difficulty standing (see Gower’s sign below) and going up stairs.
The defect may even lead to Absence of the Dystrophin Gene.
What is the life cycle of Duchenne’s?
Initially presents itself between the ages of 2-5 years old.
Progressive muscle weakness then follows and by the age of 10 or so he can no longer walk and by age 20 progressive cardiac and respiratory failure develop with death typically in the early 20s.
What are clinical features of Duchenne’s?
Muscle Weakness starting proximally and moving distally e.g. Thighs first then the leg muscles and feet
Clumsy walking
Positive Gower’s Sign
Scoliosis
What are investigations for Duchenne’s?
Diagnosis is confirmed by Raised Serum Creatinine Phosphokinase and Abnormalities on Muscle Biopsy (e.g. Absent Dystrophin).
What is treatment for Duchenne’s?
No cure :(
Treatment is easing of symptoms
What is Cerebral Palsy
Non-progressive, neuromuscular disorder with onset before 2‐3 years of age due to an insult to the immature brain before, during or after birth.
It can almost be thought of as a Stroke prior to Development.
List causes of Cerebral Palsy?
Genetic Problems
Brain Malformation
Intrauterine Infection in Early Pregnancy
Prematurity (<30 weeks in the womb is usually the high risk level of prematurity)
Intra‐Cranial Haemorrhage
Hypoxia during Birth (Anoxic Injury)
Meningitis.
What are features of cerebral palsy?
Muscle Weakness Muscle Spasming (Clasp-Knife Sign)
List categorisations of cerebral palsy?
Hemiplegia (same side limbs affected)
Paraplegic (legs only)
Diplegia (legs affected with little involvement elsewhere)
Quadraplegia (arms and legs affected)
How can cerebral palsy deformity be managed?
In Early Disease, Deformities can be Passively Corrected.
In Late Disease, Deformities CANNOT be corrected.
What are meds given in cerebral palsy?
Benzodiazepines and Baclofen (GABBA Agonist)
Botulinum Toxin, which is a Neurotoxic Protein that prevents the Firing of Acetylcholine at the Neuromuscular Junction
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) which is when Over-Firing Nerves are identified and cut from the back
Botox Injections in Muscles to paralyse muscles working too vigorously
What is the commonest obstetric brachial plexus palsy?
Erb’s Palsy with Injury to the Upper (C5 & C6) Nerve Roots