Clinical Pearls

Question 1

Bursitis

Answer 1

1) inflammation of the bursa, usually caused by blow or friction; 2) treated with rest and ice - if severe, anti-inflammatory drugs are used

Question 2

Tendonitis

Answer 2

1) inflammation of the tendon sheaths typically caused by overuse; 2) treated with rest and ice - if severe, anti-inflammatory drugs are used

Question 3

Cartilage Tears

Answer 3

1) due to compression or stress, but cartilage rarely repairs itself; 2) repaired with arthoscopic surgery (ligaments repaired, fragments removed with minimal scarring or damage); 3) partial menisci removal makes joint less stable but still mobile; 4) complete removal leads to osteoarthitis (meniscal transplant in younger patients, maybe grown from stem cells in future?)

Question 4

Sprains

Answer 4

1) reinforcing ligaments stretched or torn; 2) partial tears slowly repair, but with poor vascularization; 3) if torn completely, ends sewn together or replaced with grafts

Question 5

Dislocations (Luxations)

Answer 5

1) bones forced out of alignment; 2) accompanied by sprains, inflammation and difficulty moving joint; 3) caused by serious falls or contact sports; 4) must be reduced to treat

Question 6

Subluxation

Answer 6

1) partial dislocation of a joint; 2) bones forced out of alignment; 3) accompanied by sprains, inflammation and difficulty moving joint; 4) caused by serious falls or contact sports; 5) must be reduced to treat