Wrist and Hand 2 (Notes) Flashcards
Hallmark sign distinguishing between OA/joint swelling and RA
The level of morning stiffness
How long does morning stiffness last in those with RA?
Longer than 60 minutes
Why are volar wrist subluxations not uncommon in those with RA?
Because of the laxity that begins to occur in the joints over time in those with RA
What is key when it comes to managing those with RA?
Maintaining joint mobility and the ability to use their available ROM in midrange areas while protecting their joints from end range stresses
What is a key component of patient education for those with RA?
Giving them a general activity program when they are not and when they are in a flare up.
What is an important thing to keep in mind with those who take medications for RA?
Those who are on a prolonged period of corticosteroids may impact our manual therapy interventions–especially end range mobilizations
What are interventions geared towards when patients with RA are in a flare up?
Protecting the tissue
What are interventions geared towards when patients with RA are not in a flare up?
Maximizing available motion while making sure they are not overloading end-range movements
What is an important thing to keep in mind when patients are immobilized from a colles fracture?
Care should be taken to maintain mobility in the fingers, elbow, and shoulder
We should also help monitor infections
What is a huge part of our job as PTs when it comes to rehabbing someone out of a distal radius fracture immobilization?
Creating mobility and functional restoration
What would likely be a dead giveaway for scaphoid fracture?
Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox
Why is management of scaphoid injuries so critical?
Because avascular necrosis is a real risk
What is initial management like in patients with scaphoid fracture?
Immobilization
What should you monitor in patients with fractures?
The risk of malunion, avascular necrosis, and nerve damage
