Week 5 Flashcards
What is bone growth stimulated by?
Weight bearing positions
What are some normal skeletal alignment changes in an infant?
0-18 mo: varus knees
3-4 years: valgus knees
What is Salter-Harris Classification?
Fracture injuries near the growth plate
1) S: slip (epiphysis separated from shaft)
2) A: above
3) L: lower
4) T: through (epiphysis & metaphysis)
5) R: rammed
Describe Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Infant positioning impacts the
formation of the acetabulum, results in head of the femur not securely seated
in the acetabulum.
Often confirmed with ultrasound
(Increases risk of breech delivery or large baby)
- Three types:
1)Unstable Hip Dysplasia: Hip is positioned normally but can be dislocated.
2) Subluxation or Incomplete Dysplasia: Femoral head in partial contact with
acetabulum but is partially displaced.
3) Complete: Femoral head is fully out of acetabulum.
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- Etiology:
Genetic predisposition
Breech presentation during birth
First-born child or family history
Maternal hormone influence (e.g., relaxin) - Pathogenesis:
Abnormal development or dislocation of the hip joint
Shallow or poorly developed acetabulum
Instability of the femoral head in the acetabulum - Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
Asymmetry in hip abduction or leg length discrepancy
Positive Ortolani and Barlow tests in infants
Limited range of motion in the affected hip
Hip “click” or “clunk” during movement - Diagnostics:
Ultrasound for infants (younger than 6 months)
Ortolani’s Maneuver
hip flexion and adduction to
dislocate head of femur, then hip
flexion and abduction to relocate (Ortolani “Click”-only in first month)
List the medical/surgical management, precautions/red flags, and PT management of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- Medical/Surgical Management and Medication:
Pavlik Harness: hip is braced into
flexion and abduction until the
femoral head molds into the
acetabulum and joint capsule
tightens. - Precautions/Red Flags:
Monitor for avascular necrosis after treatment
Risk of joint stiffness or dislocation recurrence
Delayed intervention may cause long-term gait abnormalities or arthritis - Physical Therapy Management:
Post-surgical rehabilitation for mobility and strength
Hip stabilization exercises and gait training
Stretching and ROM exercises to maintain flexibility
Education on proper positioning and movement
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of scoliosis
- Etiology:
Idiopathic (unknown) 80%
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis:
>30* curve is more common in girls at a rate of 10 to 1
A) Osteopathic (wedge vertebrae)
B) Myopathic (strength imbalance)
C) Neuropathic (cerebral palsy) - Pathogenesis:
Lateral curvature of the spine with possible rotation of vertebrae
Structural abnormalities can worsen during growth spurts
Progressive deformity affecting posture, balance, and spinal alignment - Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
Visible spinal curvature or uneven shoulders/hips
Rib hump with forward bending (Adam’s forward bend test) - Diagnostics:
Physical examination with Adam’s test
X-rays to measure Cobb angle (curvature severity)
PT scoliometer
List the medical/surgical management, precautions/red flags, and PT management of scoliosis
- Medical/Surgical Management and Medication:
Bracing is indicated in curves 25-45
degrees; Boston TLSO imaged here
Surgical rodding and fusion
recommended with curves greater
than 45 degrees
Organ compromise with severe curves,
60 degrees or more (Pulmonary insufficiency, impaired cardiac function) - Precautions/Red Flags:
Rapid progression during growth spurts
Neurological symptoms (e.g., weakness, numbness, bowel/bladder dysfunction)
Severe pain or functional limitations may indicate a more serious condition - Physical Therapy Management:
Core strengthening and spinal stabilization exercises
Stretching for tight muscles (e.g., hamstrings, hip flexors)
Postural education and correction
Breathing exercises (especially for rib cage rotation)
Tailored exercise program to prevent curve progression and improve function
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of Degenerative Kyphoscoliosis
(Scheuermann’s disease)
- Etiology:
structural deformity classified by anterior wedging of 5 degrees or more of three adjacent thoracic bodies and affects adolescents aged 12 to16 years and is the most common cause of structural kyphosis in adolescence - Pathogenesis:
Progressive spinal curvature due to collapse of vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs
Combined lateral curvature (scoliosis) and excessive forward bending (kyphosis)
Spinal instability and altered biomechanics lead to further degeneration - Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
Stooped posture with spinal deformity
Chronic back pain, often worse with movement or prolonged standing
Decreased height
Minimal pain
Schmorl’s nodes: local extrusion of nucleus pulpous through the cartilage and into vertebral body - Diagnostics:
X-rays to assess spinal curvature, disc space narrowing, and vertebral fractures
MRI or CT scans to evaluate nerve compression and disc degeneration
Bone density scan (DEXA) if osteoporosis is suspected
List the medical/surgical management, precautions/red flags, and PT management of Degenerative Kyphoscoliosis
- Medical/Surgical Management and Medication:
Pain management with NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or opioids in severe cases
Bracing to provide support and reduce pain
Surgical intervention (e.g., spinal decompression, fusion) for severe cases or nerve compression
Osteoporosis treatment (e.g., bisphosphonates, calcium, vitamin D supplements) - Precautions/Red Flags:
Progressive neurological symptoms (e.g., leg weakness, bowel/bladder dysfunction)
Severe, worsening back pain unresponsive to conservative treatment
Increased risk of falls and fractures due to spinal instability and poor posture - Physical Therapy Management:
Postural correction exercises to improve alignment
Core and back strengthening exercises to support the spine
Stretching to relieve muscle tightness, especially in the chest and hips
Gait and balance training to reduce fall risk
Education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to reduce strain on the spine
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of Down Syndrome
- Etiology:
Genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21)
Risk factors include advanced maternal age - Pathogenesis:
Extra chromosome affects development, leading to physical and intellectual disabilities
Delayed motor and cognitive development
Increased risk of congenital heart defects, hypothyroidism, and other medical conditions - Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
Flattened facial features, small head, short neck
Hypotonia (low muscle tone) and joint laxity
Developmental delays (cognitive, motor, speech)
Short stature and a single deep crease across the palm - Diagnostics:
Prenatal screening (e.g., nuchal translucency, noninvasive prenatal testing)
Postnatal karyotype analysis to confirm trisomy 21
Echocardiogram to detect congenital heart defects
List the medical/surgical management, precautions/red flags, and PT management of Down’s syndrome
- Medical/Surgical Management and Medication:
Regular monitoring for associated health conditions (e.g., heart defects, thyroid function)
Early intervention programs (speech, occupational, and physical therapy)
Surgical correction for congenital heart defects if needed
Medications for associated conditions (e.g., thyroid hormone replacement) - Precautions/Red Flags:
Monitor for atlantoaxial instability (risk of spinal cord injury)
Increased susceptibility to infections due to immune system abnormalities
Risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in adulthood - Physical Therapy Management:
Early intervention to address hypotonia and motor delays
Strengthening exercises for postural stability and motor skills development
Gross motor skill training (e.g., crawling, walking, coordination exercises)
Gait training and balance exercises to improve mobility
Educating caregivers on promoting functional independence
Give some examples of muscular dystrophies
All of them have a genetic origin (dystrophin, glycoprotein, complex)
1) Duchenne MD (most common): x-linked recessive (affects males).
Onset 2-4 yo
Rapidly progressive (death in 20’s)
2) Becker MD: x-linked recessive
Onset 5-10 yo
Slowly progressive, lifespan into adulthood
3) Limb-girdle MD: autosomal recessive
Onset varies
Slowly progressive, mild impairment
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of Duchenne’s MD
- Etiology:
- Genetic disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene (X-linked recessive)
- Primarily affects males
- Pathogenesis:
- Lack of dystrophin protein leads to muscle fiber damage and progressive muscle degeneration
- Muscle weakness starts in the lower limbs and gradually affects other muscle groups
- Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
- Delayed motor milestones (e.g., walking, running)
- Progressive muscle weakness, beginning in the legs (falls, waddling gait) (proximal weakness)
*. Winging scapula - Gower’s sign (using hands to push off thighs to stand up)
- Pseudohypertrophy of calves (enlarged but weak muscles)
- Eventual loss of ambulation (usually by early teens)
- Diagnostics:
- Elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels in blood tests
- Genetic testing for dystrophin gene mutations
- Muscle biopsy showing absence of dystrophin
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle function
List the medical/surgical management, precautions/red flags, and PT management of Duchenne’s MD
(AVOID eccentric exercises)
- Medical/Surgical Management and Medication:
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to slow muscle degeneration
- Cardiac and respiratory monitoring (as heart and lung muscles weaken)
- Assisted ventilation as respiratory muscles weaken
- Orthopedic interventions (e.g., braces, spinal fusion for scoliosis)
- Gene therapy and emerging treatments (e.g., exon-skipping therapy)
- Precautions/Red Flags:
- Monitor for respiratory complications and cardiac issues (e.g., cardiomyopathy)
- Avoid excessive physical strain, which can accelerate muscle damage
- Pay attention to scoliosis and respiratory decline in the later stages
- Physical Therapy Management:
- Gentle strengthening and stretching exercises to maintain mobility
- Range of motion (ROM) exercises to prevent contractures
- Use of orthotics and assistive devices to enhance mobility
- Respiratory exercises to maintain lung function
- Education on energy conservation techniques and caregiver training
Describe spinal muscular atrophy
(Genetic autosomal recessive, anterior horn cell degeneration “motor”)
Type 1: Respiratory failure, early death
Type 2: Intermediate, significant functional impairment, power mobility
Type 3: Mildest form, independent ambulators, slow progression
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of spinal muscular atrophy
- Etiology:
- Genetic disorder caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene (autosomal recessive)
- Leads to a deficiency of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein
- Pathogenesis:
- Loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem
- Progressive muscle weakness and wasting of skeletal muscles
- Severity varies depending on the type of SMA (Type I–IV)
- Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
- Muscle weakness and atrophy, typically affecting proximal muscles
*. Secondary scoliosis - Hypotonia (floppy baby syndrome in infants)
- Difficulty with swallowing, breathing, and motor functions
- Delayed motor milestones (e.g., sitting, standing, walking)
- Muscle weakness and atrophy, typically affecting proximal muscles
- Diagnostics:
- Genetic testing to identify SMN1 gene mutations
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess motor neuron activity
- Muscle biopsy may show denervation
- Elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels may be present but are not diagnostic
List the medical/surgical management, precautions/red flags, and PT management of spinal muscular atrophy
- Medical/Surgical Management and Medication:
* Nusinersen (Spinraza) and gene therapy (Zolgensma) to slow disease progression
* Supportive care (e.g., respiratory support, feeding tubes)
* Orthopedic management for scoliosis and joint contractures
* Medications to manage symptoms and improve quality of life - Precautions/Red Flags:
- Respiratory decline (monitor for breathing difficulties)
- Difficulty with feeding and risk of aspiration
- Regular monitoring for scoliosis and joint contractures
- Physical Therapy Management:
- Range of motion (ROM) exercises to prevent contractures
- Pulmonary exercises
- Strengthening exercises tailored to avoid fatigue
- Postural and respiratory exercises to maintain lung function
- Use of adaptive equipment (e.g., braces, wheelchairs) for mobility
- Family and caregiver education on positioning, mobility, and home exercises
- Range of motion (ROM) exercises to prevent contractures
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of Congenital Muscular Torticollis
- Etiology:
- Likely caused by intrauterine positioning or birth trauma
- Shortening or fibrosis of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle
- Associated with other musculoskeletal abnormalities (e.g., hip dysplasia)
- Pathogenesis:
- Unilateral tightening of the SCM muscle leading to head tilt (toward the affected side) and rotation (toward the opposite side)
- Can lead to plagiocephaly (flattening of the head) due to consistent head position
*. Developmental delay and hip dislocation
- Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
- Cervical side bending toward the involved side and rotation away from the involved side
- Palpable tightness or lump in the SCM muscle
- Limited range of motion in neck rotation and lateral flexion
- Possible facial or skull asymmetry (plagiocephaly)
- Diagnostics:
- Physical examination for head tilt and limited neck ROM
- Ultrasound may be used to confirm SCM muscle involvement
List the medical/surgical management, precautions/red flags, and PT management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis
- Medical/Surgical Management and Medication:
* Conservative treatment with physical therapy as the primary intervention. Responds well to PT but 16% of cases require surgery
* Surgery (e.g., SCM release) may be considered if severe or unresponsive to therapy after 1 year of age
* Positioning techniques to reduce plagiocephaly - Precautions/Red Flags:
- Monitor for worsening neck range of motion or development of plagiocephaly
- Be alert for signs of other conditions like cervical spine issues or hip dysplasia
- Delay in treatment can lead to persistent deformity and functional limitations
- Physical Therapy Management:
- Positioning and stretching exercises to lengthen the SCM muscle
- Strengthening exercises to improve neck muscle balance and symmetry
- Positioning strategies to encourage head rotation and avoid prolonged pressure on one side
- Parent education on stretching, positioning, and handling techniques to promote active movement
- Monitoring and addressing any secondary issues like plagiocephaly
What are the types of Congenital Muscular Torticollis?
- Postural Torticollis: This is the mildest form and involves a head tilt with no muscle tightness or mass in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. It is typically positional and can be corrected more easily.
- Muscular Torticollis: This form involves tightness in the SCM muscle but no palpable mass. The muscle shortening causes the head to tilt to one side and turn toward the opposite side.
- Sternocleidomastoid Mass: In this type, a fibrotic mass or “tumor” is present in the SCM muscle, leading to significant muscle shortening and more severe restriction of neck movement.
- Postnatal Muscular Torticollis: This form develops after birth, usually as a result of birth trauma, muscle injury, or other conditions that affect the neck muscles.
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of Brachial Plexopathy
- Etiology:
- Typically traction injury of the brachial plexus within a difficult birth
- A) Erb’s palsy: c5-6 injury: the arm is maintained in a position of abduction and internal rotation at the shoulder with lower arm pronated and fingers flexed “waiter’s tip” position
*. B) Klumpe’s palsy: c8-T1, position in pronation, elbow flexion, no grasp
- Pathogenesis:
- Damage to the brachial plexus nerves (C5–T1) affecting motor and sensory function in the shoulder, arm, and hand
- Can involve different parts of the brachial plexus (upper, middle, lower trunks)
- Nerve damage may lead to weakness, paralysis, or sensory loss
- Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
- Weakness or paralysis in the shoulder, arm, or hand (depending on nerve involvement)
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected limb
- Pain or burning sensation in the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Muscle atrophy in chronic cases
- Diagnostics:
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to assess nerve function
- MRI or CT to evaluate for structural damage (e.g., tumors, compression)
- Physical exam focusing on muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation
List the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostics of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)
- Etiology: (Rare brittle bone disease)
- Genetic disorder, most commonly autosomal dominant. Short stature is common
- Caused by mutations in genes collagen synthesis affecting bone and connective tissue, mostly autosomal dominant
*. Four types at least:
A) Type I: most common, least severe
B) Type III: Triangular face, progressive
deformity, w/c dependent teens
- Pathogenesis:
- Defective or insufficient collagen leads to fragile bones that break easily
- Affects not only bones but also teeth, skin, and connective tissues
- Varying degrees of severity based on OI type (Type I–IV being most common)
- Clinical Presentation (Signs & Symptoms):
- Frequent fractures with minimal trauma
- Bone deformities (e.g., bowing of long bones, scoliosis)
- Blue sclera (bluish tint in the whites of the eyes)
- Short stature and joint hypermobility
- Hearing loss in some cases (due to middle ear bone malformations)
- Diagnostics:
- Clinical assessment based on history of fractures and physical signs
- Genetic testing to confirm collagen gene mutations
- X-rays showing fractures in different stages of healing
- Bone density testing (DEXA) to assess bone fragility
List the medical/surgical management, precautions/red flags, and PT management of Brachial Plexopathy
- Medical/Surgical Management and Medication:
* Pain management (NSAIDs, opioids, neuropathic pain medications)
* Physical therapy and rehabilitation for nerve recovery and muscle strengthening
* Surgical intervention (e.g., nerve grafts, nerve transfer) for severe cases or persistent dysfunction
* Steroids or immunosuppressants in cases of inflammatory brachial plexopathy - Precautions/Red Flags:
- Monitor for progressive weakness or paralysis
- Signs of autonomic dysfunction (e.g., Horner’s syndrome)
- Chronic pain or failure to recover may indicate the need for surgical evaluation
- Physical Therapy Management:
- Positioning and Range of motion (ROM) exercises to prevent contractures and maintain mobility
- Strengthening exercises to motor function
- Sensory re-education for any loss of sensation