swelling Flashcards
What are key history points about swelling
when did it appear, trauma history, painful, size increasing/ fluctuating, any other swellings, patient systemically unwell
On examination what do you look for
site, size, shape, well/ill defined, fluctuant, texture, mobile or fixed, temperature, transluminable, lymphadenopathy
In infections, what presents
systemic upset, pyrexia, trauma, tumor, rubor, calor, dolor
What is cellultiis
inflammation and infection of the soft tissues
How does cellulitis appear?
as a generalised swelling
What organisms tend to be involved in cellultitis
b haemolytic strep, staphyococci
How do you treat cellulitis
rest, elevate, analgesia, splint, antibiotics (oral v IV)
What is an abscess
discreet collection of pus
how would an abscess appear
fluctuant when pressed, defined, erythema, pain, trauma
How do you treat an abscess
drainage and surgical incision, rest elevate, analgesia, splint, antibiotics
Is septic arthritis a medical emergency?
YES 100%
How could a bacterial infection of a joint spread
traumatic or haematogenous
What are common organisms of septic arthritis
staph aureus, e. coli
How would septic arthritis present?
decreased ROM, swelling, systemic upset, raised WCC and inflammatory markers
How do you treat septic arthritis
orthopaedic review urgently, aspiration, washout and debridement
What is a ganglia?
Out pouching of the synovium filled with fluid
How does a ganglia present
discreet round swellings, non tender, skin mobile, wrist, feet, knees
How do you treat a ganglia
it will subside itself, do not do aspiration!!! surgical excision possible
Where is a baker cyst most commonly found?
In the popliteal fossa
Baker cyst is associated with OA or RA?
OA
How do you treat it?
Non operatively
What is bursitis
inflammation of the synovium sacs that protrude bony prominences
can bursitis form abscess
yeaaaah
How do you treat bursitis
NSAIDS, analgesia, antibiotics, incision and drainage, excision on rare occasions
