Upper Limb Arthritis Management Flashcards
how do upper and lower limb differ in terms of function?
lower = large weight bearing forces, only mobility upper = large range of movement, fine control
symptoms of upper limb arthritis?
pain (not always) swelling stiffness deformity loss of function
what can cause upper limb arthritis?
degeneration (OA)
inflammation (RA, psoriasis, gout)
post-traumatic
septic
what are the basic treatments principles for arthritis?
nothing rest/analgesia splinting (occasionally in thumb) steroid injections (only for around 3 months) replacement fusion excise
how does sternoclavicular joint arthritis present?
rare
swelling and pain at SC joint
how is sternoclavicular joint arthritis treated?
physio
injections
excision (rarely)
what can cause acromioclavicular joint arthritis?
trauma
often overlaps with impingement
very common
how is acromioclavicular joint arthritis managed?
injection
excision
where is fusion used for arthritis?
wrist
what can cause glenohumeral joint arthritis?
cuff tear
instability
previous surgery
idiopathic
how does glenohumeral joint arthritis present?
pain
crepitus
loss of movement (esp. external rotation)
how does AC joint arthritis present?
painful scarf test
very well localised pain at AC joint
what are the risks with shoulder replacement?
infection instability stiffness nerve damage loosening
how does rotator cuff tear affect the glenohumeral joint? what are the implications of this?
if torn, the deltoid pulls the humeral head upwards
abnormal forces on glenoid fossa leads to OA
anatomical shoulder replacement will fail until tear is fixed
describe a reverse geometry shoulder replacement
reverses ball-socket increases lever arm of deltoid lengthens deltoid resurfaces joint prevents upward migration
what are the risks with reverse geometry shoulder replacement?
high complication rate
deltoid may fatigue after around 7 years
when is a reverse geometry shoulder replacement used?
only if rotator cuff is not repairable