T&O round 2 Flashcards
Name three functions of bone
Mechanical - protect delicate tissues and organs, a framework for the shape of the human body, form a basis for movement.
Synthetic - haemopoiesis.
Metabolic - mineral storage (ca2+, po4-), fat storage (yellow bone marrow), acid-base homeostasis by absorbing salts to regulate blood pH
What is the difference between endochondral ossification and intra-membranous ossification?
Endochondral - form long bones from cartilage templates. Have continued lengthening by ossification at the epiphyseal plates. Intra-membranous ossification - the formation of bone from clusters of mesenchymal stem cells in the centre of bone.
Describe a coronal section of mature bone
Compact/cortical bone on the outside/external surface. Cancellous bone/spongy on the inside - combines strength with lightness.
Name a factor which affects bone stability
Activity of osteocytes (can act as osteoblasts or osteoclasts).
Activity of osteoblasts (stimulated by calcitonin, GH, oestrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, vit A)
Activity of osteoclasts (increased by PTH).
Nutrition - vit D, C, K and B12.
In a fracture repair, first comes hematoma formation. Next comes ______(1)_______, followed by bony callus formation and ______(2)________.
(1) - fibrocartilaginous callus formation - here, the pro callus of granulation tissue is replaced by a fibrocartilaginous callus where bony trabecular are developing.
(2) - bone remodelling - cancellous bone is replaced by compact, cortical bone until bone remodelling is complete.
Define osteomalacia
Softening of bone due to vitamin D deficiency. This increases the risk of bone fractures in older adults.
Describe the four features of OA on XRAY
Subchondral sclerosis, narrowing of joint space, osteophytes, bony cysts (SNOB)
How may OA present?
Deep aching pain in the joint which is exacerbated by use. Reduced range of motion. Grinding sensation/sound. Stiffness during rest - morning stiffness usually lasts less than an 30mins.
Define OA
Degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone
Name categories of secondary OA
post-traumatic, post-operative, inflammation/infection related, miscellaneous
What may you find on examination of someone with OA?
Swelling of joint, joint deformity, tenderness on palpation, joint effusions, restricted/reduced movements, joint instability, weakness or wasting
To be considered for a knee replacement, what three features need to be present during a knee examination?
Correctable varus, full extension of the leg (at the knee), and flexion of at least 100 degrees
What management options are available for OA?
Analgesia (e.g. NSAIDS - ibuprofen 200mg, naproxen 500mg initially, then 250mg every 6-8 hours as required). Steriodal injection. Weight loss. Use of walking stick. Surgery - partial or total knee replacement.
Define a Smiths fracture
Fracture of the distal radius with palmar angulation of the distal fracture fragments. Have volar (anterior) displacement of the distal fragment of the radius. AKA a reverse Colles fracture. Usually occurs on fall on back of flexed wrist
Define a Colles fracture
Extra-articular distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation and dorsal displacement. Within 2cm of articular surface.
Describe presentation (Hx and examination) of Colles fracture
Hx of trauma, FOOSH. Immediate pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising. Elderly woman or young adult. PMH of osteoporosis, post menopause. Dinner fork deformity. Unable to grasp object. Increased angulation of distal radius.
Describe presentation of Smiths fracture
Hx of falling on back of hand, or direct blow to the dorsal aspect of the wrist. Young male after high energy fall or elderly female after low energy fall.
Present with pain, swelling on anterior side. Reduced ROM, distal forearm deformity
What are the five signs of compartment syndrome?
5Ps. —> Pain, Pallor, Parasthesia, Pulselessness, Paralysis
What management options are available for fractures of the distal radius?
Reduction - external and/or internal fixation, percutaneous pinning, bone substitiutes. Immobilisation. Physiotherapy to restore range of movement, motion and function.
What are the risk factors for Smiths or Colles fractures?
Age (older than 60 increases risk), being female, osteoporosis, menopause, smoking, alcohol use, prolonged steroid use.
Why does prolonged steroid use increase the risk of fractures?
Steroids decrease osteoblast activity and increase osteoclast activity. This reduces bone density and increases risk of osteoporosis. Increased risk of osteoporosis = increased risk of fracture.
Describe the presentation Dupytren’s disease
Hx of slow progression over years. Nodules present on palm of hands. Nodules are fixed. Nodules have thickened and can form tough cords under skin, fingers are pulled inwards towards palm. May also present with thickened skin on the feet or penis.
How does Carpal tunnel syndrome present?
Pain, numbness and parasthesia in the lateral 3.5 digits. Worse during the night. Pain subsides on shaking wrist. Wasting of thenar eminence, weakness of thumb abduction
What initial investigations would you do for suspected CT?
Tinel’s test - percuss over median N. Phalen’s test - hold wrist in full flexion for a minute. Both tests bring on symptoms.
What are RF for CT syndrome?
Female, increasing age, obesity, previous injury, RSI, DM, RA, Hypothyroidism
What complications of CT (carpal tunnel) surgery would you make a patient aware of?
Persistent CTS symptoms. Infection. Scar formation. Nerve damage. Trigger thumb.
If CTS was untreated, what complications would it lead to?
Increased MN damage, impairment, disability.
What condition involves painless (sometimes painful) clicking or snapping of the finger when trying to extend?
Trigger finger
What may be present in PMH of pt with trigger finger?
Flexor tenosynovitis
How is trigger finger managed?
Conservatively - give splint to hold finger in extension at night. Steriod injections. Surgical decompression of tendon tunnel or surgery via percutaneous trigger finger release via needle.
What are risk factors for getting trigger finger?
Having occupation/hobby involving prolonged gripping and use of hand. PMH of RA, DM. Female. Increasing age
What can form as a complication of trigger finger surgery?
Adhesions
What are adhesions (with regard to being a complication of repair/surgery)?
Fibrous bands. They can cause obstruction.
What are risk factors for Dupytren’s disease?
Being male, FHx, alcohol use, PMH of DM or seizures, increasing age.
What are complications of surgically treating dupytren’s?
Pain, scarring, injury to surrounding N and BV, wound infection, stiffness, loss of sensation, loss of finger (v v rare).
What condition can predispose to a Baker’s cyst?
OA
Which abx prescribed for a UTI can increase the risk of Achilles tendinopathy and tendon rupture?
Ciprofloxacin
Numbness in the ring and little fingers may mean there is involvement of which nerve?
Ulnar nerve
Define cubital tunnel syndrome
Compressive neuropathy of the ulnar nerve
How would you conduct a Tinel’s test for cubital nerve syndrome?
Tap over space between medial epicondyle of humerus and the olecranon process of the ulna
What type of emboli is at risk of forming with a femoral shaft fracture?
Fat emboli
Fat emboli gives a classic triad of signs. What are they?
Hypoxaemia, neurological abnormalities, petechial rash
Herniation at which level of the spinal discs can lead to caudal equine syndrome?
Lumbar discs
What does Neer’s test assess?
Shoulder impingement
A patient comes in with tendonitis of the rotator cuff muscles. You are worried about shoulder impingement. What test could you do?
Neer’s test
Describe a positive Neer’s test
Hand is positioned in the empty can position. Arm is passively raised into full flexion. When arm is raised = subacromial space narrows = impinge tendon and cause pain.
What findings would you see on an XR of a child with Perthes’ disease?
Femoral head collapse and fragmentation which suggests osteonecrosis.
Osteogenesis imperfecta affects 4 parts of the body - what are they?
B = bones
I = eyes
T =.teeth
E = ears
What is Saturday night palsy?
Wrist drop and paralysis of the radial nerve - get weakness of hand and finger extensors
What is first line (surgical) management for pre-patellar bursitis if conservative management has not been successful?
Steroid injection
Name the rotator cuff muscles and identify their function
Suprspinatus- abduction
Infraspinatus- external rotation
Teres minor- external rotation
Subscapularis- internal rotation
Where is the attachment of rotator cuff muscles?
Greater tuberosity- Suprspinatus, Infraspinatus and Teres minor
Lesser tuberosity- Subscapularis
What is the mechanism of injury for anterior shoulder dislocation
FOOSH, playing sport, trauma, ?recurrent trauma
How would the patient look on examination with an anteriorly dislocated shoulder?
Shoulder is tender, loss of roundness of the deltoid, held externally rotated , swelling
What are you worried about in an anterior shoulder dislocation?
Rotator cuff injuries, associated fractures, potential nerve injuries
What views of an X-ray would you request for an anterior shoulder dislocation and what would you see?
AP and Y Lateral, you would see the head towards the corocoid process in a Y lateral view
What is a Bankart lesion?
When the labrum is pulled from the glenoid (injury to anterior part of the glenoid labrum). This needs urgent repair as it makes the shoulder unstable
How do you manage an anterior shoulder dislocation?
If NO ASSOCIATED FRACTURE- reduce it in ED- traction and counter traction.
Immobilise in sling- 2 weeks in elderly as stiffness is an issue, longer in young people.
Physio
Follow up and assess for any rotator cuff injuries
What is the mechanism of injury for a posterior shoulder dislocation?
Electrocution or epileptic seizure
Why and what do we need to be aware of with posterior shoulder dislocations?
EASILY MISSED! The arm will be held in an internally rotated position, therefore we need to ask them to externally rotate
How would you investigate a posterior shoulder dislocation? What would you find?
XRAY- AP- light bulb sign
Y lateral- head of humerus towards the acromion
How do you manage posterior shoulder dislocation?
Surgical reduction, potentially a humeral head replacement or partial replacement
How would a patient with an inferior shoulder dislocation present?
Arm abducted with hand running down
What is the most important thing to notice in ankle fractures?
Talar shift
What is talar shift?
The talus usually sits in the mortiste, if moved from here, talar shift- unequal joint space around the talus
Explain the anatomy of the ankle joint
Tibia- medial, Fibula- laterally, syndamosis joining the two bones. Medial malleolus at the base of the tibia with the deltoid ligaments and lateral malleolus at the base of the fibula and lateral ligaments.
What types of fractures can occur at the ankle?
Lateral malleolus ( most common), medial malleolus, bimalleolar, trimalleolar
What are the mechanism of injuries of lateral and medial malleolus fractures?
Lateral- inversion of foot
Medial- eversion of foot
What is the weber classification?
For lateral malleolar fractures.
A- below the syndamosis
B- at the syndamosis
C- Above the syndamosis
When would you use conservative management for malleolar fractures?
Weber A, weber B without talar shift
Non-displaced medial malleolus fractures
When would you use surgical management for malleolar fractures?
Weber B with talar shift, weber C, bimallerolar or trimalleolar fractures and open fractures
What is a pilon fracture?
Usually high impact, talus drives into distal tibia
What is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?
Inflammation of abductor policies longus and extensor policies brevis tendons as they pass through the first dorsal compartment of the wrist at the radial styloid process
How does a patient with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis present?
Pain localised over the dorsal radial side of the wrist. Pain is exacerbated by work, and relieved by rest
What test would you carry out in a patient with suspected De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and what does positive test show?
Finkelstein’s test. Positive - pain induced by ulnar deviation of the wrist with the thumb clasped in the palm. (Get tenderness over the styloid process too).
What is the mechanism of action of bisphosphonates?
Inhibition of osteoclasts
What are risk factors for plantar fasciitis
Running, obesity, prolonged standing
What is a recognised complication of a total hip replacement?
Posterior hip dislocation
Which area of the leg does the saphenous nerve provide sensation to?
Medial aspect of lower leg and foot§
Where does the tibial nerve provide sensation?
Posterolateral side of the leg, lateral side of the foot and the sole.
Describe the five stages of healing in fracture healing
- Haematoma: tissue damage and bleeding occur at the fracture site; bone ends die back a few mms.
- Inflammatory reaction: inflammation cells appear in the haematoma.
- Callus formation: cell population changes to osteoblasts and osteoclasts; dead bone is mopped up and woven bone appears in the fracture callus.
- Consolidation: woven bone is replaced by lamellar bone - fracture has united.0
- Remodelling: newly formed bone is remodelled to resemble the normal structure.
How does achilles tendonitis present?
Gradual onset posterior ankle pain, tenderness over the tendon and swollen tendon
How would you manage achilles tendonitis
NSAIDS, avoid precipitating exercise and RICE
How does achilles tendon rupture present?
Sudden onset of sharp pain with a popping sound and feeling as though something ‘went’
What are the risk factors for achilles tendonitis/ rupture
Tendonitis: someone unfit who suddenly increases exercise frequency, male, poor footwear, obesity .
Rupture is associated with recent use of flouroquinolones
How would you manage an achilles tendon rupture
Initial management: analgesia, immobilisation, in a plastered splint in full equines and no weight bearing, then 2 weeks later, held in a splint in semi equines and then 4 weeks later held in splint in neutral position
If delayed presentation, surgical intervention
When is surgery indicated in achilles tendon rupture?
When there is a delayed presentation of greater than 2 weeks or when there is a re-rupture
How do you perform the Simmonds test
Patient kneeling on chair with affected ankle hanging off the end of the chair. Squeeze the calf on affected side. If there is ankle plantar flexion, the tendon is intact, if there is no ankle plantar flexion then the tendon is not intact
When would you perform the Simmonds test aka thompson test?
To test for achilles tendon rupture
What is hallux valgus?
Characterised by the medial deviation of the first metatarsal and the lateral deviation of the hallux +/- rotation of the hallux with associated joint sublaxation
How does hallux valgus present ?
painful medial prominence
aggravated by walking, weight bearing activities and narrow fitting shoes
What are the risk factors for hallux valgus?
female
Hyper-mobility conditions
Connective tissue disorders
flat feet
What should you assess on examination for a patient that presents with hallux valgus
Position and lateral deviation of hallux
Check for inflammation and skin breakdown over the prominence at the base of the hallux
Check for worsening prominence when weight bearing
Check for active and passive range of movement. Check for crepitus and pain associated with crepitus
Why do we Xray in hallux valgus?
- To assess the degree of lateral deviation and joint subluxation
- Measure the angle between the first metatarsal and the first proximal phalanx- greater than 15 degrees, indicative of hallux valgus
What makes up the syndesmosis between the tibia and fibula?
Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and the intra-osseous membrane.
What part of the ankle anatomy is involved in a trimalleolar ankle fracture?
medial malleolus fracture, lateral malleolus fracture and posterior malleolar fracture
How do you manage an ankle fracture?
Immediate fracture reduction to realign the fracture. Place ankle in a ‘below knee back slab’. Repeat NV examination after reduction. Management after this can be conservative or surgical depending on type of fracture sustained.
What is the main complication after an ankle fracture?
Post traumatic arthritis. This is rare with appropriate reduction and fixation.
What are risk factors following an ORIF surgery?
Surgical site infection, DVT or PE, NV injury, non-union, metalwork prominence.
Definition of cauda equina syndrome?
A prolapsed intervertebral disc fills the spinal canal. This compresses the lumbar and sacral nerve roots within the spinal canal
How does CES present? What are red flags?
Recent PMH of disc prolapse. Age 40-50yrs. LMN signs and symptoms,
Red flags: (from Z2F)
Saddle anaesthesia
Loss of sensation in rectum and bladder (unsure how full they are)
Urinary incontinence or retention
Fecal incontinence
Bilateral sciatica
Bilateral weakness in LL (including ED)
Reduced anal tone in PR exam
What is the investigation for suspected CES?
Emergency lumbar-sacral MRI
What does MRI of CES show?
Cauda equina nerves being compressed. Shows cause of compression
How do you manage CES?
Surgical decompression within 48hrs of onset of sphincter symptoms
Name 2 risk factors for CES?
Disc herniation L5/S1 or L4/L5. Trauma.
Neoplasm - tumour affecting vert column or meninges.
Spinal stenosis - usually 2y to arthritis
Spinal infection or abscess.
Chronic spinal inflammation - ankylosing spondylitis (late stage). Iatrogenic - haematoma secondary to spinal anaesthesia.
Name a complication of CES
Chronic neuropathic pain. Impotence. Need to do self catheterisation. Fecal incontinence. Impaction of faeces. Loss of sensation and motor weakness of LL. Requirement of lifelong wheelchair.
Define spinal stenosis
Degenerative in nature. Narrowing of the spinal canal or other nerve pathways in the spinal column. This puts pressure on nerves travelling through the spine. (Can affect spinal cord, or N roots).
How may spinal stenosis present?
Gradual onset. Over 60 years old (as it is due to degenerative changes in spine).
Intermittent neurogenic claudication below level: usually bilateral
- lower back pain
- buttock and leg pain
- leg weakness.
Absent at rest or sitting.
Present when walking/standing.
Bend = Better
Straight = Symptoms
Note: ^ for central spinal stenosis - most common. Lateral stenosis and foramina stenosis = present w Sciatica
What investigation would you order for suspected spinal stenosis?
MRI of the whole spine
How is spinal stenosis managed?
Analgesia, exercise, weight loss. If a malignancy is present, high dose corticosteroids, chemo and radiotherapy. Spinal cord decompression.
What are risk factors for spinal stenosis?
Malignancy, trauma, infection, disc prolapse.