Upper limb pathology Flashcards
What two neuropathologies of the upper limb do we need to know?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Compression of median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. 8x more common in women than men.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Idiopathic
RA (Synovitis leads to decreases space)
Fluid retention
Fracture
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Paresthesia of thumb and 1st 2 1/2 fingers which is worse at night.
Loss of sensation
Weakness
How do you treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
Splint at night to prevent flexion
Steroid injections
Divide transverse carpal ligament
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Compression of ulnar nerve at elbow behind medial epicondyle.
What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?
Paresthesia of last 1 1/2 fingers.
What causes cubital tunnel syndrome?
Tightness in fascia at origin of flexor carpi ulnaris to nerve sheath.
What are the five shoulder conditions we need to know?
Instability Rotator Cuff Tear Adhesive Capsulitis Impingement syndrome Acute Calcified Tendonitis
What is the most common cause of shoulder pain in young patients?
Instability
What is the most common cause of shoulder pain in middle aged patients?
Rotator cuff tear and adhesive capsulitis
What is the most common cause of shoulder pain in older patients?
OA of glenohumeral joint
Pain from which location can radiate to the shoulder?
Neck
What is a shoulder instability?
Lack of bony stability and muscular instability lead to recurrent subluxation or dislocation.
What are the two forms of shoulder instability?
Traumatic- Anterior dislocation
Atraumatic- Posterior, anterior or inferior dislocation
What is a traumatic instability of the shoulder?
Trauma causes anterior dislocation that can reduce and heal but some do not stabilize and are liable to dislocate again
How do you treat a traumatic instability of the shoulder?
Bankart’s repair- reattach labrum and capsule to anterior glenoid
What is an atraumatic instability of the shoulder?
Generalized ligament laxity (Marfan’s or Ehlers-Danlos) lead to recurrent dislocation.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
A full or partial tear in the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus usually) leading to weakness and pain.
What causes a rotator cuff tear?
Degeneration of tendon followed by minor trauma.
How do you diagnose a rotator cuff tear?
US or MRI
How do you treat a rotator cuff tear?
Physio and subacromial steroid injection
ROtator cuff repair surgery but likely to reoccur
What age group is most likely to suffer from shoulder instability?
Young
What age group is most likely to suffer from rotator cuff tears?
Middle aged
Very rare in the young but can happen with major trauma.
What is adhesive capsulitis?
Progressive pain and stiffening in the shoulder in 40-60YO which resolves.
What is the main symptom of adhesive capsulitis?
Loss of external rotation.
How does adhesive capsulitis progress?
Pain 2-9m -> Stiffness 4-12m -> Recovery
What causes adhesive capsulitis?
Unclear but potentially: diabetes, injury, hypercholesterolemia, Dupuytren’s
How do you treat adhesive capsulitis?
Physio and analgesia
Steroid injections
Manipulation under anaesthetic
Rarely surgical capsule release