UPDATED ORTHO Flashcards
Grade I Ligamentous Sprain
Minimal stretching or tearing of ligament fibers
Mild tenderness
Mild swelling
Mild joint stiffness
Grade II Ligamentous Sprain
Partial tearing of ligament fibers
Moderate tenderness
Moderate swelling
Moderate joint stiffness
Pain with joint movement
Grade III Ligamentous Sprain
Complete tear of ligament fibers
Severe tenderness
Severe swelling
Severe joint stiffness
Inability to move the joint without severe pain
Osgood Schlatters
Overuse injury common in growing adolescents, characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon at the tibial tuberosity, where the tendon attaches to the tibia
Pathophysiology of Osgood Schlatters
The exact cause is unclear
It is thought to be related to repetitive stress and microtrauma to the tibial tuberosity
Particularly occurs during periods of rapid growth
Treatment of Osgood Schlatters
Condition is self-limiting
Treatment includes relative rest and activity modification
Prevalence Osgood Schlatters
Male gender
Ages 11-14 years old
Sudden skeletal growth
Repetitive activities like jumping and sprinting
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Occurs when a small piece of subchondral bone begins to separate from its surrounding area
Common among skeletally immature and adult patients
Pathophysiology of Osteochondritis Dissecans
Exact cause unclear
Related to disruption in blood supply to affected area
Results in necrosis and fragmentation of bone and cartilage
Signs and Symptoms of Osteochondritis Dissecans
Pain and possible joint effusion at the site
Locking and catching of the joint, with a sensation of ‘giving way’
Decreased range of motion
Common in adolescents aged 10-20 years
Active individuals, especially those involved in high-impact sports
Chondromalacia Patella
Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome or “runner’s knee”
Cartilage under the patella softens and deteriorates, causing knee pain
Prevalence in Chondromalacia Patella
Adolescents and young adults
Athletes, especially those in sports with repetitive knee stress like running, cycling, and skiing
More common in women than men
Pathophsyiology of Chondromalacia Patella
The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to overuse or trauma to the knee joint, which can lead to wear and tear of the cartilage.
Other factors that may contribute to the development of chondromalacia patella include muscle imbalances, poor alignment, and repetitive stress.
Clinical Presentation of Chondromalacia Patella
- Anterior Knee Pain: Pain located at the front of the knee, around or behind the patella
- Weakness: Difficulty jumping or running
- Crepitus: Grinding or crunching sensation felt when extending or bending the knee
- Swelling: Mild swelling around the knee, especially after the knee
- Tenderness: Especially pressing on the patella or surrounding area
What is Transient Synovitis
Temporary swelling and irritation of the synovial membrane, which produces synovial fluid to lubricate the joint.
Most common cause of hip pain in children
Demographics of Transient Synovitis
Primarily affects children aged 3-8 years
More common in boys than girls
Underlying Pathology of Transient Synovitis
Exact cause unknown
Associated with viral infections (e.g., upper respiratory tract infections) or minor trauma
Pathophysiology: Inflammation of synovium leading to pain and limited joint motion
Clinical Presentation of Transient Synovitis
Sudden onset of hip pain or limping
Pain may radiate to the thigh or knee
Limited range of motion, especially in internal rotation and abduction of the hip
Low-grade fever may be present
Generally, no systemic toxicity
Treatment of Transient Synovitis
Rest and avoidance of weight-bearing activities
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
Symptoms typically resolve within 1 to 2 weeks
Osteomyelitis Definition
Infection of the bone, can be acute or chronic
Typically caused by bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus most common
Demographics of Osteomyelitis
Can affect any age group, more common in children and older adults
Higher risk in individuals with diabetes, compromised immune system, recent bone injuries/surgeries
Underlying Pathology of Osteomyelitis
Often spreads to bone through the bloodstream (hematogenous spread), or from nearby tissue infection
Pathophysiology: Bacterial infection causes inflammation, bone necrosis, and abscess formation
Clinical Presentation of Osteomyelitis
Severe localized bone pain
Swelling, redness, and warmth over affected area
Fever and general illness
In children, refusal to use affected limb
Kocher Criteria Overview
Tool to distinguish septic arthritis from transient synovitis in children with acute hip pain
Kocher Criteria rules
Non-Weight-Bearing on the Affected Side:
* The child refuses to walk or bear weight on the affected leg.
Fever:
* An oral temperature greater than 38.5°C
Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):
* ESR greater than 40mm/h
Elevated Serum white Blood Cell (WBC) Count:
A WBC count greater than 12,000 cells
Application of Kocher Criteria
0/4 Criteria: Very low likelihood of septic arthritis (<1%)
1/4 Criteria: Low likelihood of septic arthritis (about 3%)
2/4 Criteria: Moderate likelihood of septic arthritis (about 40%)
3/4 Criteria: High likelihood of septic arthritis (about 93%)
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) Definition
A condition where the femoral head slips off the neck of the femur at the growth plate
Pathophysiology of SCFE?
Growth plate weakness: The physis is structurally weaker during periods of rapid growth, leading to slippage of the femoral head
Pathomechanics of SCFE?
Mechanical Stress: Excessive mechanical forces, such as weight bearing activities can aggravate the stress on the weakened growth plate, resulting in slippage
Demographics of SCFE
- Most common in adolescents during growth spurts (ages 10-16)
- More prevalent in boys than girls
- Higher incidence in overweight or obese children
- More common in African American and Hispanic populations
Clinical Presentation of SCFE
- Hip pain: Often referred to the knee or thigh, can be acute or chronic
- Limping: Altered gait d/t hip discomfort & instability
- Limited ROM: Particularly in internal rotation & Abduction
Bilateral pain: 20-30% in cases bilateral pain can be seen and may need surgical intervention
Physical Exam Findings of SCFE
Decreased ROM in Internal Rotation and abduction
Definition of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Characterized by avascular necrosis of the femoral head
Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply
Demographics of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Most commonly affects children aged 4-10 years
More prevalent in boys than girls (approximately 4:1 ratio)
Typically unilateral, can be bilateral in 10-15% of cases
Higher incidence in Caucasian populations
Underlying Pathology of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Exact cause unknown
Involves temporary disruption of blood flow to femoral head
Lack of blood supply leads to bone necrosis, resorption, and eventual regeneration
Weakens femoral head, prone to collapse and deformity
Clinical Presentation of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Symptoms: Gradual onset of limping (antalgic gait) without trauma history
Pain in hip, groin, thigh, or knee
Pain worsens with activity, improves with rest
Limited hip range of motion, especially abduction and internal rotation
Physical Exam Findings of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Physical Exam Findings
Muscle atrophy in thigh due to disuse
Positive Trendelenburg sign (pelvic drop on the unaffected side when standing on the affected leg)
Pain and limited movement during hip abduction and internal rotation
Definition of Adhesive Capsulitis?
A condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint
Thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule restricts movement
Demographic of Adhesive Capsulitis?
Affects adults aged 40-60
Higher prevalence in women
More common in individuals with diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease
Underlying Pathology of Adhesive Capsulitis?
Inflammation: Initial inflammation of the synovium and joint capsule
Fibrosis: Thickening and contracture of the shoulder of the shoulder capsule forming adhesion that restricts movement
Progresses through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages
Clinical Presentation of Adhesive Capsulitis?
Age: M/C in individuals between 40-60yo
Gender: More frequent in women
Diabetes: Related to metabloc & Biochemical changes
Previous injuries: Fx can immbolise and cause infalmmation to surrounding tissues
Definition of Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS)?
refers to a range of conditions that affect the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder, leading to pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion.
The demographic of rotator cuff syndrome?
Adults, especially >40
Athletes and those with repetitive overhead motions (e.g., painters, carpenters, swimmers, tennis players).
Pathophysiology of rotator cuff syndrome?
Tendon degeneration: Repeated trauma & age related changes lead to degeneration of the rotator cuff tendon
Inflammation: Overuse or acute injury can cause inflammation of the tendon & surrounding bursa
Signs and symptoms of Rotator Cuff Syndrome?
Pain: localised at the front & sideside of the shoulders, worse with overhead activities or at night
Tenderness: Pain and tenderness over the affected tendon
Weakness: Difficcult lifting or rotating arm, particularly above the shoulder
Limited Range of Motion: Reduced ability to ove shoulder especially in abduction & external rotation.
Crepitus: Shoulder joint crackling or popping.
Definition of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Characterised by numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and arm.
It occurs due to compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist
Demographics of carpal tunnel syndrome?
M/C in adults, especially women.
- Age: 30-60.
- Occupation: Associated with repetitive hand and wrist movements (e.g., Carpenters, desk jobs that requires repetitive typing)
Underlying Pathology of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Compression: Median nerve squeezed in the carpal tunnel.
Causes: Inflammation or swelling of tendons or other structures in the tunnel.
Contributing Factors: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical Presentation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Pain: Wrist and hand, may radiate into the first 3 fingers.
- Numbness and Tingling: Primarily in thumb, index, middle, and part of ring finger, worsens during activity or at night.
- Weakness: Difficulty gripping objects, reduced hand strength.
Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Conservative: Wrist splinting, activity modification.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections.
Surgical: Decompression of carpal tunnel in severe cases.
Definition of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to sensory and motor disturbances in the forearm and hand.
The demographic of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Common in adults, more prevalent in men.
Associated with jobs or activities involving frequent elbow flexion or prolonged pressure on the elbow.
Underlying Pathology of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Ulnar Nerve Compression: Occurs at the cubital tunnel, a narrow space at the inner side of the elbow.
Causes: Repetitive elbow flexion, direct pressure on the elbow, or elbow trauma causing swelling.
Clinical Test of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
- Positive tinels test over the cubital tunnel
- Positive elbow flexion test