Skeletal Pathologies Flashcards
4 repair stages of fracture
HAEMATOMA
INFLAMMATION & PHAGOCYTOSIS bone debris/clot
FIBROBLASTS move in form spongy bone/fibrocartilage
Osteoblasts form CALLUS (new bone to replace fibrocartilage)
MINERALISATION & SHAPING - Callus mineralised. Osteoclasts reshape/canalise new bone.
Treatment for Fractures
improve circulation/nutrients to bone
use creams/ointments - absorbed
what herbs for fractures?
comfrey
what nutrients would help fractures
calcium
vit D
vit C
MSM (sulphur)
What homeopathic for fractures
arnica-bruising
Ruta - nerve
calc phos 4c - 3 weeks - meld bones together
Difference between sprain/strain
sprain - ligament
strain - muscle
Definition of sprain
trauma - joint out of normal range
stretch/tear ligaments
6 treatment suggestions - sprains
First Aid herbs locally/internally nutrients rest homeopathy acupuncture
2 herb suggestions for sprain
comfrey, calendula
5 nutrients for sprain
glucosamine vit C zinc vit E collagen gel
2 types dislocation
dislocation - full
subluxation - partial
How do X rays work
Electromagnetic radiation
pass through less dense matter (fat, muscle)
but are absorbed by denser matter (bones, tumours, lungs)
which appear white.
How can you counteract carcagenic effects of X Rays
homeopathy
What stage of life is bone health ‘laid down’
teens - TEENAGE GIRLS BEWARE!
What is Osteoporosis
Bone thinning (porous bone)
decreased bone mineral density (BMD)
increased bone fragility & fracture risk
What is primary type 1 & 2 osteoporosis
1 - senile osteoporosis (age/post menopause)
2 - ideopathic osteoporosis (don’t know reason)
what is secondary osteoporosis
O is secondary to another condition/lifestyle/pathology
main cause Osteoporosis
MALNUTRITION mineral deficiency low calcium absorption genetics bad teens (growth years) low oestrogen at menopause ph imbalance (blood too acidic)
how does oestrogen help prevent osteoporosis
suppresses bone resorption & improves calcium uptake in the gut
Osteoporosis risk factors
poor diet toxins drugs smoking age ethnicity - (northern european worse) genetics alcohol sedentary lifestyle endocrine pro
What does your skin colour have to do with Vit D?
the fairer the skin, the more vit D absorbed.
Why is it hard to catch Osteoporosis early?
it is ASYMPTOMATIC until bone has reached critical thinness and fractures for no reason
What can happen to the height of Osteoporosis suffered and why?
loss of height due to vertebral crumpling and fracture
What body position gives the most relief in Osteoporosis
lying on side with knees flexed
other physical tell-tale signs of osteoporosis
stooped posture (kyphosis/dowagers hump) scoliosis
how is the pain usually aggravated with Osteoporosis
sitting, standing or bending
what is the usual drug treatment for Osteoporosis
Biphosphonates (Fosomax)
Side effects of Fosomax?
increases bone density but doesn't make bone less brittle! over 1 in 10 get bone, muscle or joint pain, dizziness hair loss fever eye pain vomiting and BONE FRACTURES!
Our treatment for Osteoporosis
non-acidic diet calcium & vit D weight bearing exercise hormone balancing herbs avoid toxins
Long name for Rickets
Osteomalacia
What is Osteomalacia
Rickets Softening of bone due to failed mineralisation in the bone matrix decalcification of bone esp in spine pelvis lower extremities
causes of Osteomalacia
Vit D deficiency
possible causes of Vit D deficiency
insufficient sun
insufficient vit D in diet
failure to absorb vit D in gut
reduced receptor sites for vit D in tissues
signs/symptoms of Osteomalacia
Deformed/bent bones
severe back pain
severe muscle weakness
fracture
our treatment of osteomalacia
vit d - via foods, supplementation & sunlight
What is hypercalcaemia
high blood calcium - serum calcium above 2.5mmol.
Causes of hypercalcaemia (5)
uncontrolled release of calcium from bones (tumour) hypERpatathyroidism immobility - demineralisation of bone excess intake calcium/vit D milk-alkali syndrome
what is milk-alkali syndrome
increased intake of milk/antacids (heartburn) = elevated serum calcium
signs/symptoms hypercalcaemia
muscle weakness lethargy anorexia nausea polyuria irregular heartbeat bone density loss - fractures
our treatment of hypercalcaemia
treat cause
adjust calcium intake
what is osteomyelitis
infection of bone marrow
which bones does osteomyelitis most often affect
1st & 2nd lumber vertebrae
growing regions of long bones in children
causes of osteomyelitis
immune suprresion -
diabetes
alcoholics
injecting drug users
signs/symptoms Osteomyelitis
affected areas v sensitive to percussion
generalised non-specific back ache
severe night pain
muscular guarding of area
allopathic treatment of Osteomyelitis
antibiotics
side effects of antibiotics
lowered immunity
disturbed gut function
candida
our treatment for Osteomyelitis
herbs (infection & Immunity)
local compresses
homeopathy
two types of bone tumours
benign & malignant
what are benign tumours
grow inside bones, cause pressure, deep pain, fracturing, could turn malignant
malignant bone tumours known as
osteosarcomas
malignant cartilage tumours known as
chondosarcomas
are malignant bone tumours usually primary or secondary
secondaries from other organs, e.g. breast, kidney
allopathic treatment for bone tumours
radiotherapy
our treatment for bone tumours
support only
herbs
nutrition
what is kyphosis often called?
Hunchback
signs/symptoms kyphosis
hunched thoracic spine
may interfere with breathing
causes kyphosis
postural
secondary to other disorders - osteporosis
treatment kyphosis
exercise postural training bowen technique back brace medical - surgery
Lordosis signs/symptoms
increased concavity/arch of lumbar spine
lordosis causes
adolescent growth spurt
musculoskeletal disease
obesity
lordosis treatment
exercise
postural training
bowen technique
what is scoliosis
lateral s shape curve in spine
can impinge on nerves
causes scoliosis
everyday imbalance (bag on shoulder)
treatment scoliosis
chiropractic
osteopathy
bowen technique
what causes a herniated/slipped disc?
fibrocartilage in intervertebral discs degenerate with age
treatment herniated discs
strengthen muscles in back
homeopathy - arnic
herbs - pain, inflammation & connective tissue
What is spina bifida
Incomplete closure of embryonic neural tube =
spinal canal fails to enclose spinal cord
when does spina bifida occur in the foetus
weeks 5-8
causes spina bifida
unknown
lack of folic acid contributes
2 types spina bifida
occulta - less serious
aperta - more serious (loss of continence, paralysis)
Treatment spina bifida
prevention - adequate folic acid during pregnancy
What is ankylosing spondylitis
chronic inflammation of spine & sacroiliac joints
what does ankylosing spondylitis often lead to
spinal fusion (ankylosis) reduced movement
causes of ankylosing spondylitis
possible genetic link
who suffers with ankylosing spondylitis
mostly men
age of onset 20-45
early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
lumber curve flattens, mobility reduced lower back pain into posterior thighs hip & heel pain pain/stiffness worse in mornings acute iritis
later symptoms ankylosing spondylitis
thoracic curve restricted
ribs stiffen
chest expansion diminished
definition iritis
inflammation of iris
allopathic treatment analysing spondylitis
surgery
pain/inflammation medication
associated symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
damage to stomach lining osteoporosis bruising muscle weakness diabetes glaucoma mood changes
alternative treatment ankylosing spondylitis
nutrition (anti inflammatory)
herbs (pain inflammation)
what is Osteoarthritis
degenerative wear & tear of articular cartilage, typically affecting weight bearing joints
describe the onset of osteoarthritis
gradual
osteoarthritis more commonly seen in -
older people/sportsmen
causes osteoarthritis
fracture genetics general wear & tear obesity map-alignment of joint previous disease - RA
Describe 5 stages osteoarthritis
1) articular cartilage wears away, exposing underlying bone
2) subchondral bone becomes hard & glossy
3) cysts & sclerosis occurs in bone surface
4) bones grow projecting spurs
5) spurs break off into synovial cavity causing further iritation
process in which subchondral bone becomes hard & glossy is called -
eburnation
projecting spurs are called -
osteophytes
how is osteoarthritis diagnosed
x ray
treatment of osteoarthritis
nutrition glucosamine hyalauronic acid eggshell membrane vit C MSM Herbs - comfrey, turmeric weight loss
what is rheumatoid arthritis
autoimmune inflammation of synovium.
potentially affecting all organs except brain
systemic inflammation
R A affects how many people worldwide
1%
What age group does RA affect?
peak occurrence - 30-50
signs/symptoms RA
symmetrical/bilateral affects hands and feet first, spreads proximally morning stiffness/swelling deformity joints general malaise subcutaneous nodules eye problems kidney problems compression of spinal cord leading to neurological complications
Cause of R A?
idiopathic, but genetic believed to be linked
allopathic treatment
surgery for nodules
pain & inflammation medication
alternative treatment RA
antiinflammatory nutrition
herbs for pain, inflammation & immune modulation
cause OA v RA?
OA - degenerative wear & tear
RA - autoimmune
Tissues affected OA v RA?
OA - articular cartilage
RA - synovial membrane
type of joint affected OA v RA?
OA - mostly hips & knees (weight bearing)
RA - any synovial joints (tends to be systemic)
Age of onset OA v RA
OA - older
RA - 30-50
symmetrical? OA & RA?
OA - asymmetrical
RA - symmetrical/bilateral
additional symptoms/complications OA v RA?
OA - not usually
RA - yes
movement OA v RA?
OA - movement becomes restricted
RA - morning stiffness/swelling
what happens to joints with time OA v RA?
OA - eventually joints become deformed
RA - gradually spreads through more proximal structures
changes to joint structure OA v RA?
OA - osteophyte/bone spurs
RA - subcutaneous nodules
what is the carpal tunnel
narrow passageway of ligament & carpal bones at base of hand through which the median nerve runs.
function of median nerve?
controls sensations & movements in hand & fingers
what is carpal tunnel syndrome
nerve becomes squeezed at wrist
causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
vibrating tools - drills fluid retention - pregnancy/menopause congenital predisposition - small CT trauma to joint tumour/cyst in canal secondary to RA, hypothyroidism
risk factors carpal tunnel syndrome
women - men 3:1
diabetes
assembly line workers
signs/symptoms carpal tunnel syndrome
occur in affected hands & fingers onset gradual often starts at night frequent burning sensation/tingling/itching/numbness fingers feel swollen decreased grip difficulty gauging temperature by touch
allopathic treatment CTs
aspirin/ibuprofen resting joint cool packs surgery physio
alternative treatments CTS
treat cause! herbs for pain, inflammation acupuncture homeopathy (arnica) antinflammatory nutritional support
possible complications CTS
if untreated/chronic muscles in base of thumb may waste away
other name for gout
crystal arthropathy
What is crystal arthropathy?
gout
form of arthritis v common in men
deposition of excess uric acid crystals in bodily tissues & fluids
v painful
causes crystal arthropathy
trauma illness dehydration purine excess obesity excessive alcohol hypercholestorolaemia hypertension type 2 diabetes kidney disease diuretic use
ratio of men to women suffering with crystal arthropathy
men 8:1 female
mean age of onset - gout
men 40 women 70
signs/symptoms gout
big toe most often affected
can effect mid feet, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, fingers
usually monoarticular, can be polyarticular
intensely painful, red, hot, swollen joints
skin appears shiny, may peel
painless tophi - urate crystal outside joints under skin
allopathic treatment gout
corticosteroid injection - side effects
alternative treatment gout
anti-nflammatory nutrition
sour cherry (cherry active)
herbs & comprrsses for pain, inflammation, diuretics & infection
homeopathy
what is bursitis
inflammation of bursae
causes of bursitis
trauma
infection
wear & tear
treatment bursitis
herbs - pain, inflammation, infection rest ice anti-inflammatory nutrition homeopathy compresses
Difference between tendon and ligament
Tendon muscle to bone
Ligament bone to bone
