Musculoskeletal System

Question 1

What is gout?

Answer 1

• Caused by a raised uric acid produced by the breakdown of purine bases by the enzyme xanthine oxidase and usually excreted in the kidneys. - Urate is deposited as crystals in the joints - repeated attacks lead to chronic arthritis. - Causes - Medication (such as aspirin, diuretics), alcohol, renal disease, hypothyroidism and dehydration - Features - sudden onset excruciating burning joint pain, redness, warmth, tenderness and stiffness. - First attack usually in big toe.

Question 2

What is pseudogout?

Answer 2

• Precipitation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in connective tissue. - Crystals in cartilage can enlarge and rupture causing ‘crystal shredding’ into joint cavity or soft tissues. Usually in knees and ankles. - Causes - hereditary, trauma or surgery, associated with osteoarthritis.

Question 3

What is septic arthritis?

Answer 3

• Inflammation of a joint caused by bacterial infection. - Commonly affects the knee. - Causes severe pain, swelling, redness and heat in affected areas. Symptoms tend to develop quickly over a few hours. - May have difficulty moving affected joint and have high temperature. - Can be serious and cause sepsis.

Question 4

What is osteomyelitis?

Answer 4

• Bone infection usually caused by bacteria. - Trauma, surgery, presence of foreign bodies. - Diabetics at an increased risk. - Haematogenous spread.

Question 5

What are bone tumours?

Answer 5

Most common is metastatic disease from a distant cancer (prostate, kidney, breast.)