Rheumatology COPY Flashcards
Give 3 causes of inflammatory joint pain.
- Autoimmune disease e.g. RA, vasculitis, connective tissue disease.
- Crystal arthritis.
- Infection.
Give 2 causes of non-inflammatory joint pain.
- Degenerative e.g. osteoarthritis or OP.
- Non-degenerative e.g. fibromyalgia.
What are the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation?
- Rubor (redness).
- Calor (heat).
- Dolor (pain).
- Tumor (swelling).
- Loss of function.
How does inflammatory pain differ from degenerative [non-inflammatory] pain?
- Inflammatory pain tends to ease with use
- whereas degenerative non-inflammatory pain increases with use.
- Are you more likely to see swelling in inflammatory or degenerative pain?
- where will the swelling most likely be seen?
- In inflammatory pain you are likely to see synovial swelling.
- There is often no swelling in degenerative pain.
Name 2 inflammatory markers that can be detected in blood tests.
- ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
- CRP.
Explain why ESR levels are raised in someone with inflammatory joint pain.
Inflammation leads to increased fibrinogen which means the RBC’s clump together. The RBC’s therefore fall faster and so you have an increased ESR.
Explain why CRP levels are raised in someone with inflammatory joint pain.
- Inflammation leads to increased levels of IL-6.
- CRP is produced by the liver in response to IL-6 and therefore is raised in inflammation.
Describe the ESR and CRP levels in someone with lupus.
- ESR is raised and CRP is normal.
- raised CRP suggests underlying infection
What protein are all spondyloarthropathy conditions associated with?
HLA B27 which raises an autoimmune response
Give 5 conditions that fall under the umbrella term spondyloarthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Reactive arthritis.
- Psoriatic arthritis.
- Enteropathic arthritis.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
What is the function of HLAB27?
It is an antigen presenting cell.
Describe the ‘molecular mimicry’ theory for explaining why HLAB27 is associated with spondyloarthritis.
Infectious agents have peptides very similar to HLAB27. An auto-immune response is triggered against HLAB27.
Name 3 theories that can explain why HLAB27 is associated with spondyloarthritis.
- Molecular mimicry.
- Mis-folding theory.
- HLAB27 heavy chain hypothesis.
what is enthesitis
inflammation of the entheses = the insertion point of the tendons and ligaments to the bone.
Give 9 signs of spondyloarthritis.
SPINEACHE
1. Sausage digit – dactylitis = swelling of a whole digit. Predictor of underlying bone damage
1. Psoriasis
1. Inflammatory back pain + buttock pain
1. NSAID – good response
1. Enthesitis of the heel
1. Arthritis –distal joint involvement = psoriatic arthritis [or OA]
1. Crohn’s / colitis / potentially elevated CRP
1. HLAB27
1. Eye – uveitis. Anterior uveitis = iritis
What is the general treatment for all spondyloarthritis?
- Initially early use of DMARDs
- biological agents if DMARDs fail e.g. TNF inhibitors: adalimumab, infliximab +etanercept.
- IL12, IL 17blockers
Describe the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis.
- what areas are most commonly affected
- bone marrow oedema -> Inflammation of bone -> erosive damage -> repair/new bone formation -> irreversible bone fusion.
- spine and sacroiliac joints most affected
- can also affect the costovertebral + costosternal joints.
Give 8 symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
- BACK PAIN!
- Morning stiffness.
- Waking in the second half of the night.
- Buttock pain - may radiate to the legs.
- reduced spinal flexion - schooner’s test.
- Usually <40y/o at onset.
- Eye pain
- loss of lumbar lordosis
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect to have ankylosing spondylitis?
- X-ray -> bamboo spine + ligament ossification.
- MRI -> bone marrow oedema.
- CRP/ESR: elevated
- HLAB27 test.
HLAB27 test NOT diagnostic as 90% of AS pts are +ve and 10% of healthy pts are +ve.
useful for differentiating between other rheumatological conditions though
What is the diagnostic criteria for ankylosing spondylitis?
- > 3 months back pain.
- Aged <45 at onset.
- Plus one of the SPINEACHE symptoms.
Give 3 locations that psoriasis commonly occurs at.
- Elbows.
- Knees.
- scalp+ lower back.
What is reactive arthritis?
- Sterile inflammation of the synovial membrane, tendons and fascia triggered by an infection at a distant site, usually GI or genital.
What gut infections are associated with reactive arthritis?
Salmonella, shigella, yersinia campylobacter.
What sexually transmitted infections are associated with reactive arthritis?
- Chlamydia.
- Gonorrhoea
What is the triad of symptoms for reactive arthritis?
- Arthritis.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Urethritis.
What type of spondyloarthritis occurs in 20% of patients with IBD?
Enteropathic arthritis.
What is the criteria for making a clinical diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
Joint swelling/stiffness >6 weeks in children <16 and no other cause is identified.
What is the aetiology of JIA?
Unknown - idiopathic!
However, it is autoimmune so there are genetic factors associated.
Why is it important to check the eyes in JIA?
The lining of the eyes and the joints is very similar. Children with JIA are at a high risk of developing uveitis!
What type of JIA affects <4 joints and is usually ANA positive?
Oligoarthritis.
High risk of developing uveitis!
What JIA is similar to adult ankylosing spondylitis?
Enthesitis related JIA - inflammation of where the tendon joins a bone. HLAB27 positive.
Describe the non-medical treatment for JIA.
- Information.
- Education.
- Support.
- Liaison with school.
- Physiotherapy.
Describe the medical treatment for JIA.
- Steroid joint injections.
- NSAIDS.
- Methotrexate.
- Systemic steroids.
Give 5 potential consequences that can occur if you fail to treat JIA.
- Damage.
- Deformity.
- Disability.
- Pain.
- Bony overgrowth.
- Uveitis.
What is the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia?
- Chronic widespread pain lasting for >3months with other causes excluded.
- Pain is at 11 of 18 tender point sites.
Give 3 factors that increase the volume of pain.
- Substance P.
- Glutamate.
- Serotonin.
Give 3 factors that decrease the volume of pain.
- Opioids.
- GABA.
- Cannabanoids.
Name 4 diseases that fibromyalgia is commonly associated with.
- Depression.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Chronic headache.
- IBS.
Give 5 symptoms of fibromyalgia.
- Chronic pain.
- Tiredness/ fatigue
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- sensitivity to pain
- sleep disturbance
Give 5 triggers of fibromyalgia.
- Physical stress.
- emotions stress.
- Hormonal imbalances e.g. hypothyroid.
- Infections.
- weather changes - cold.
Give 3 diseases might be included in the differential diagnosis for fibromyalgia?
- Hypothyroidism.
- SLE.
- Low vitamin D.
Describe the management for fibromyalgia.
- Educate the patient and family.
- ‘Resent the pain thermostat’.
- CBT or antidepressants for Pain-related depression.
- Graded aerobic exercise + physiotherapy.
- Severe pain: medications such as duloxetine, pregabalin or amitriptyline.
What 2 things are essential in the management of fibromyalgia?
- Explaining that sleep disturbance is central to what they’re feeling.
- Emphasising the importance of exercise and fitness.
What is vasculitis?
Vasculitis is a group of autoimmune diseases that cause damage + inflammation of the blood vessel walls -> ischaemia, infarction or aneurysms.
What cells might you see on a histological slide taken from someone with vasculitis?
- giant cells.
- granulomatous inflammation
Chapel Hill classification: give an example of a large artery primary disorder.
Giant cell arteritis.
Chapel Hill classification: give an example of a large artery secondary disorder.
Aortitis in RA.
Chapel Hill classification: give an example of a medium/small artery primary disorder.
Wegener’s granulomatosis (GPA).
Chapel Hill classification: give an example of a medium/small artery secondary disorder.
Vasculitis secondary to autoimmune disease, malignancy, drugs.
What does ANCA stand for?
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies.
Describe the epidemiology of giant cell arteritis.
- Affects those >50y/o.
- Incidence increases with age.
- Twice as common in women.
- associated with polymyalgia rheumatica
Give 5 symptoms of giant cell arteritis.
- unilateral Headache.
- Scalp tenderness.
- Jaw claudication.
- Acute blindness.
- Malaise.
What might you find on clinical investigation in someone with giant cell arteritis?
- Palpable and tender temporal arteries with reduced pulsation.
- Sudden monocular visual loss, the optic disc is pale and swollen.
What is the diagnostic criteria for giant cell arteritis?
- Age >50.
- New headache.
- Temporal artery tenderness on palpation or decreased pulsation.
- Abnormal artery biopsies.
- elevated ESR ≥50
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has giant cell arteritis?
- Bloods for inflammatory markers e.g. CRP, ESR.
- Fundoscopy, looking at the optic disc for pallor
- Temporal artery biopsy.
Describe the treatment for giant cell arteritis.
- Prompt high dose corticosteroids - prednisolone.
- analgesia
- PPIs + Osteoporosis prophylaxis is important e.g. lifestyle advice and vitamin D.
Is Wegener’s granulomatosis associated with c-ANCA or p-ANCA?
c-ANCA.
What organ systems can be affected by Wegener’s granulomatosis?
- ENT.
- Lungs.
- Kidneys.
| ELK
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the URT?
Crusty nasal/ ear secretions
Hearing loss
Cough
Sinusitis
Epistaxis: nose bleeds
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the lungs?
- Pulmonary haemorrhage/nodules.
- cough, wheeze, haemoptysis
- Inflammatory infiltrates are seen on X-ray.
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the kidney?
Glomerulonephritis.
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the skin?
Ulcers.
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the eyes?
- Uveitis.
- Scleritis.
- Episcleritis.
What is the treatment for Wegener’s granulomatosis?
- If severe: high dose steroids.
- If non-end organ threatening: moderate steroids.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
An chronic auto-immune inflammatory synovial joint disease.
Describe the epidemiology of RA.
- 2 to 3 times more common in women.
- Approximately 1% of the population affected.
Describe the aetiology of RA.
Auto-antibodies e.g. RF and anti-CCP lead to a defective cell mediated immune response.
Describe the pathophysiology of RA.
The body’s immune system attacks the synovium -> inflammation of the synovial membrane -> loss of synovial fluid -> ↓ joint space, cartilage wear and destruction + bone erosion.
1. Chronic inflammation. B/T cells and neutrophils infiltrate.
2. Proliferation -> pannus formation.
3. Pro-inflammatory cytokines -> proteinases -> cartilage destruction.
Give 5 symptoms of RA.
- Early morning stiffness (>60 mins).
- Pain eases with use.
- Swelling of joints - symmetrical
- General fatigue, malaise.
- Extra-articular involvement - e.g. subcutaneous nodules.
Give 5 signs of RA.
include signs from investigations
- Symmetrical.
- Deformities: swan neck, boutonnieres, Z-thumb, ulnar deviation.
- Polyarthropathy.
- Erosion on X-ray.
- 80% are RF positive.
name 4 deformities caused by RA
- swan neck
- boutonniere’s
- ulnar deviation of the fingers
- Z-thumb
what does an x-ray show in RA
- Loss of joint space
- erosion of bone
- soft tissue swelling
- soft bones - osteopenia
LESS
which joints are spared in RA
DIPJ
RA extra-articular involvement: describe the effect on soft tissues.
- Nodules.
- Bursitis.
- Muscle wasting.
RA extra-articular involvement: describe the effect on the eyes.
- Dry eyes.
- Scleritis.
- Episcleritis.
RA extra-articular involvement: describe the neurological effects.
- Sensory peripheral neuropathy.
- Entrapment neuropathies e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Instability of cervical spine.
RA extra-articular involvement: describe the haematological effects.
- Anaemia of chronic disease.
RA extra-articular involvement: describe the pulmonary effects.
- Pleural effusion.
- pulmonary nodules
RA extra-articular involvement: describe the effects on the heart.
- Pericardial rub.
- Pericardial effusion.
RA extra-articular involvement: describe the effect on the kidneys.
Amyloidosis.
What is rheumatoid factor?
An auto-antibody against the Fc portion of IgG.
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has rheumatoid arthritis?
- Bloods for inflammatory markers; ESR and CRP will be raised.
- Test for anaemia.
- Test for RF and anti-CCP.
- x-ray: LESS
Describe the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
- NSAIDS.
- Corticosteroids.
- conventional DMARDs: methotrexate,leflunomide orsulfasalazine.
- Biological DMARDs: infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept. rituximab
Define osteoarthritis.
A non-inflammatory degenerative disorder of moveable joints characterised by the deterioration of articular cartilage and the formation of new bone.
Why does the prevalence of OA increase with age?
Due to the cumulative effect of trauma and a decrease in neuromuscular function.
Give 5 risk factors for developing OA.
- Genetic predisposition/ family hx.
- Trauma.
- Abnormal biomechanics e.g. hypermobility.
- Occupation e.g. manual labour.
- Obesity.
- female
- increasing age
What are the most important cells responsible for OA?
Chrondrocytes.
Give 5 symptoms of OA.
- Joint swelling and bony enlargement
- Pain - aggravated by activity.
- Tenderness.
- Walking and ADLs affected.
- No or little morning joint stiffness (<30 minutes).
- Deformities - formation of bony growths = osteophytes.
- Crepitus.
Give 4 radiological features associated with OA.
- Joint space narrowing.
- Osteophyte formation.
- Sub-chondral sclerosis.
- Sub-chondral cysts.
Name 3 joints of the hand that are commonly affected in osteoarthritis.
- Distal interphalangeal joint.
- Proximal interphalangeal joint.
- First carpometacarpal joint - base of the thumb.
Which surface of the knee is most commonly affected by OA?
The medial surface.
What is the primary investigation used to make a diagnosis of OA?
X-ray.
Look for asymmetric loss of joint space; sclerosis; cysts and osteophytes.
Describe features of the non-medical management for OA.
- Education.
- Exercise.
- Weight loss.
- Physiotherapy.
- Occupational therapy.
- Walking aids.
Describe the pharmacological management for OA.
- NSAIDS (topical better than PO).
- Paracetamol.
- Intra-articular steroid injections.
- DMARDs if there is an inflammatory component.
Describe the surgical management for OA.
- Arthroscopy for loose bodies.
- Osteotomy (changing bone length).
- Arthroplasty (joint replacement).
- Fusion (usually ankle and foot).
Give 3 indications for surgery.
- Significant limitation of function.
- Uncontrolled pain.
- Waking at night from pain.
A patient complains of ‘locking’, what is the most likely cause of this?
This is probably due to a loose body e.g. a bone or cartilage fragment.
What is the treatment for loose bodies?
Arthroscopy.
Give an example of an inherited connective tissue disease.
- Marfan’s syndrome.
2. Ehler Danlos syndrome.
Give an example of an autoimmune connective tissue disease.
- SLE.
- Systemic sclerosis.
- Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Dermatomyositis.
What is SLE?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an inflammatory multi-system disease characterised by the presence of serum anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA).
Describe the epidemiology of SLE.
- 90% of cases are in young women.
- More common in afro-Caribbeans.
- Genetic association.
Describe the pathogenesis of SLE.
- Inefficient phagocytosis means cell fragments are transferred to lymphoid tissue where they are taken up by APC. T cells stimulate B cells to produce antibodies against self-antigens.
- Immune complex deposition -> neutrophil and cytokine influx -> inflammation and tissue damage.
What can cause thrombosis in patients with SLE?
The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.
What autoantibody is specific to SLE?
Anti-dsDNA.
Give 5 symptoms of SLE.
- Butterfly rash.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon/’cold pale fingers’.
- Fatigue.
- Depression.
- Weight loss.
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has SLE?
- Blood count may show normocytic anaemia; neutropenia; thrombocytopaenia. Raised ESR, normal CRP.
- Serum autoantibodies: ANA, anti-dsDNA.
Describe the non-medical treatment for SLE.
- Education and support.
- UV protection.
- Screening for organ involvement.
- Reduce CV risk factors e.g. smoking cessation.
Describe the pharmacological treatment for SLE.
- Corticosteroids.
- NSAIDS.
- Anti-malarials (DMARDs).
- Anticoagulants (for those with antiphospholipid antibodies).
- Biological therapy targeting B cells e.g. rituximab.
What is scleroderma?
A multi-system disease characterised by skin hardening and Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Give 5 signs of limited scleroderma.
- Calcinosis.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Oesophageal reflux.
- Sclerodactyly (thickening and tightening of the skin).
- Telangectasia (visible small red blood vessels).
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Give 4 signs of diffuse scleroderma.
- Proximal scleroderma.
- Pulmonary fibrosis.
- Bowel involvement.
- Myositis.
- Renal crisis.
Describe the pathophysiology of scleroderma.
- Various factors cause an endothelial lesion and vasculopathy.
- There is excessive collagen deposition (skin hardening), inflammation and auto-antibody production.
Describe the management of scleroderma.
- Raynaud’s: physical protection and vasodilators.
- GORD: PPI’s.
- Annual Echo and pulmonary function tests to monitor arterial pulmonary pressure.
- ACEi to prevent renal crisis.
What is the pathophysiology of sjögren’s syndrome?
Immunologically mediated destruction of epithelial exocrine glands, especially lacrimal and salivary glands.
What does sjögren’s syndrome often occur secondary to?
Other auto-immune disorders e.g. SLE, RA, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis.
Give 5 symptoms of sjögren’s syndrome.
- Dry eyes and dry mouth.
- Inflammatory arthritis.
- Rash.
- Neuropathies.
- Vasculitis.
Why does someone with sjögren’s syndrome have dry eyes and a dry mouth?
There is immunologically mediated destruction of epithelial exocrine glands meaning the lacrimal and salivary glands produce fewer secretions.
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect to have sjögren’s syndrome?
Look for serum auto-antibodies e.g. anti-RO, RF, ANA.
Also, raised immunoglobulins and ESR.
What is the treatment for sjögren’s syndrome?
- Tear and saliva replacement.
- Immunosuppression for systemic complications.
What is dermatomyositis?
A rare disorder of unknown aetiology. There is inflammation and necrosis of skeletal muscle fibres and skin.
Give 3 symptoms of dermatomyositis.
- Rash.
- Muscle weakness.
- Lungs are often affected too e.g. ILD.
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has dermatomyositis?
- Muscle enzymes - raised.
- EMG.
- Muscle/skin biopsy.
- Screen for malignancy.
- CXR.
What is the treatment for dermatomyositis?
Steroids and immunosuppressants.
What is the name given to inflammation of an entire digit?
Dactylitis.
What is the approach used for managing trauma patients?
ATLS - treat the greatest threat to life first (ABCDE).
Describe the physiological pathway that leads to monosodium urate formation.
Purines -> hypoxanthine -> xanthine -> uric acid -> monosodium urate.
What enzyme converts hypoxanthine to xanthine?
Xanthine oxidase.
Give 5 factors that can lead to increased levels of monosodium urate.
- Increased intake e.g. alcohol, red meat, seafood.
- Cell turnover (increased production).
- Cell damage e.g. due to surgery.
- Cell death e.g. due to chemotherapy.
- Reduced excretion (renal problems).
- Drugs e.g. bendroflumethiazide - diuretics impair urate excretion.
- High insulin.
Name a drug that can lead to increased monosodium urate.
Bendroflumethiazide.
Diuretics impair urate excretion.
Describe the epidemiology of gout.
Gout is most common in men over 75 y/o.
Give a symptom of gout.
Hot and swollen joints.
The toes are commonly effected.
What are tophi?
Onion like aggregates of urate crystals with inflammatory cells. Proteolytic enzymes are released -> erosion.
Name 4 diseases that someone with gout might have an increased risk of developing.
- Hypertension.
- CV disease e.g. stroke.
- Renal disease.
- Type 2 diabetes.
What is the aim of treatment for gout?
To get urate levels < 300μmol/L.
Name 5 treatment options for gout.
- Lifestyle modification e.g. diet, weight loss, reduced alcohol.
- Allopurinol (blocks xanthine oxidase).
- Colchicine or NSAIDS.
- Switch from bendroflumethiazide to cosartan.
- Rasburicase - rapid urate reduction.
Name a drug used in the treatment of gout that blocks xanthine oxidase.
Allopurinol.
You see a patient with gout who is taking bendroflumethiazide. What drug might you replace this with to help treat their gout?
You would switch bendroflumethiazide to cosartan as bendroflumethiazide is a diuretic and so impairs urate excretion.
Name 6 factors that can cause an acute attack of gout.
- Sudden overload.
- Cold.
- Trauma.
- Sepsis.
- Dehydration.
- Drugs.
Describe the pathophysiology of pyrophosphate arthropathy (pseudogout).
Calcium pyrophosphate crystals are deposited on joint surfaces. The crystals elicit an inflammatory response.
What can cause pyrophosphate arthropathy (pseudogout)?
- Hypo/hyperthyroidism.
- Diabetes.
- Haemochromatosis.
- Magnesium levels.
Give a symptom of pyrophosphate arthropathy (pseudogout).
Acute, hot and swollen joints. Typically the wrists and knees.
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect might have pyrophosphate arthropathy (pseudogout)?
- Aspiration: fluid for crystals and blood cultures.
2. X-rays: can show chondrocalcinosis.
What is the most likely differential diagnosis for pyrophosphate arthropathy (pseudogout)?
Infection.
Describe the treatment for pyrophosphate arthropathy (pseudogout).
Treat the underlying cause and use methotrexate for inflammation.
Define osteoporosis.
A systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration. The patient is at increased risk of fracture.
Describe the epidemiology of osteoporosis.
50% of women and 20% of men over 50 are affected. The incidence increases with age.
What 2 factors are important for determining the likelihood of osteoporotic fracture?
- Propensity to fall -> trauma.
2. Bone strength.
Give 4 properties of bone that contribute to bone strength.
- Bone mineral density.
- Bone size.
- Bone turnover.
- Bone micro-architecture.
- Mineralisation.
- Geometry.
Name a hormone that can control osteoclast action and so bone turnover.
Oestrogen.
Why are so many women over 50 affected by osteoporosis?
Women over 50 are likely to be post-menopausal; they therefore have less oestrogen and so osteoclast action isn’t inhibited. There is a high rate of bone turnover -> bone loss and deterioration -> fracture risk.
What happens to bone micro-architecture as we get older that leads to a reduction in bone strength?
Trabecular thickness decreases; especially in the horizontal plane. There are fewer connections between trabecular and so an overall decrease in trabecular strength -> increased risk of fracture.
Why can RA cause osteoporosis?
RA is an Inflammatory disease. There are high levels of IL-6 and TNF; these are responsible for increased bone resorption.
Name 3 endocrine diseases that can be responsible for causing osteoporosis.
- Hyperthyroidism and primary hyperparathyroidism: TH and PTH -> increased bone turnover.
- Cushing’s syndrome: cortisol leads to increased bone resorption and osteoblast apoptosis.
- Early menopause, male hypogonadism: less oestrogen/testosterone to control bone turnover.
What is the affect of high cortisol levels on bone turnover?
Cortisol increases bone turnover. It leads to increased bone resorption and it also induces osteoblast apoptosis.
Give 5 risk factors for osteoporosis.
- Previous fracture.
- FHx.
- Excessive alcohol.
- Smoking.
- Medications e.g. steroids, depo provera.
- Immobility.
What investigation might you do in someone who you suspect to have osteoporosis?
DEXA scan.
A T score will be generated.
Name 2 areas of the skeleton commonly affected by osteoporosis that the DEXA scan focuses on.
- Lumbar spine.
2. Hip.
What is a T score?
A T score is a standard deviation that is compared to a gender-matched young adult mean.
What T score signifies that a patient has osteoporosis?
T < -2.5
What T score signifies that a patient has osteopenia?
-2.5 < T < -1
What is a normal T score?
-1
What tool can be used to assess someones risk of osteoporotic fracture?
FRAX.
Give 2 examples of anti-resorptive treatments used in the management of osteoporosis.
- Bisphosphonates.
- HRT.
Anti-resorptive treatments decrease osteoclast activity.
Give an example of an anabolic treatment used in the management of osteoporosis.
Teriparatide.
Anabolic treatments increase osteoblast activity.
What cells do anti-resorptive treatments target in people with osteoporosis?
They decrease osteoclast activity.
What cells do anabolic treatments target in people with osteoporosis?
They increase osteoblast activity.
Give 3 advantages of HRT.
- Reduces fracture risk.
- Stops bone loss.
- Prevents menopausal symptoms.
Give 3 disadvantages of HRT.
- Increased risk of breast cancer.
- Increased risk of stroke and CV disease.
- Increased risk of thrombo-embolism.
Give an example of a bisphosphonate.
Alendronate.
What pathway do bisphosphonates target?
HMGCoA pathway.
What is the physis?
The physis is the growth plate in paediatric bone.
What feature of paediatric bone means it can heal rapidly?
The thick periosteum.
Describe the 3 initial steps in the management of fractures.
- Reduce the fracture e.g. restore the length, alignment, rotation.
- Immobilise.
- Rehabilitate.
What is often the first line management option for paediatric fractures?
Non-operative management e.g. traction, casts, splints. This is because paediatric bone heals quickly due to the thick periosteum.
What can happen if the physis is damaged?
Physis damage -> growth arrest -> deformity.
What is the name of the classification used for fractures involving the physis?
Salter-Harris Fracture classification.
Salter-Harris Fracture classification: describe a type 1 fracture.
Transverse fracture through the growth plate.
Salter-Harris Fracture classification: describe a type 2 fracture.
A fracture through the growth plate and metaphysis.
Salter-Harris Fracture classification: describe a type 3 fracture.
A fracture through the growth plate and epiphysis.
Salter-Harris Fracture classification: describe a type 4 fracture.
A fracture through the metaphysis, physis and epiphysis. These fractures often need fixation.
Salter-Harris Fracture classification: describe a type 5 fracture.
Crush injury of growth plate! These fractures have a very poor prognosis and growth arrest is likely.
Give 2 ‘red flag’ signs of non-accidental injury in children.
- Long bone fracture in a child unable to walk.
2. Multiple bruises and fractures.
Describe the management for non-accidental injury in children.
- Admit the child!
- Skeletal survey.
- Referral to paediatric medics and safeguarding services.
What can cause a supracondylar fracture in children?
Falling on an outstretched hand.