Monday [24/01/22] Flashcards
(122 cards)
What is compartment syndrome? [3]
- particular condition that may occur following fractures [or following ischaemia repercussion injury in vascular patients]
- characterised by raised pressure within the closed anatomical space
- raised pressure will eventually compromise tissue perfusion -> necrosis
Two main fractures causing compartment syndrome [2]
- supracondylar fracture
- tibial shaft fracture
Features of compartment syndrome [5]
- pain, especially on movement [even passive]; excessive analgesia should raised suspicion for compartment syndrome
- parasthesia
- pallor may be present
- arterial pulsation may still be felt as necrosis occurs as a result microvascaulr compromised
- paralysis of the muscle group may occur
[so basically limb ischaemia 6Ps]
Does the presence of a pulse r/o compartment syndrome? [1]
Nope
Dx for compartment syndrome [2]
- Measurement of intracopartemntal pressure; pressure in excess of 20mmHg are abnormal, >40mmHg diagnostic
- compartment syndrome will typically not show any pathology on an XR
Tx for compartment syndrome [5]
- essentially prompt and extensive fasciotomties
- In the lower limb the deep muscles may be inadequately decompressed by the inexperienced operator when smaller incisions are performed
- Myoglobinuria may occur following fasciotomy and result in renal failure and for this reason these patients require aggressive IV fluids
- Where muscle groups are frankly necrotic at fasciotomy they should be debrided and amputation may have to be considered
- Death of muscle groups may occur within 4-6 hours
When do Colles’ fractures occur? [1]
FOOSH
What is Colles’ fractures described as? [1]
Dinner fork deformity
Classical Colles’ fracture features [3]
- Transverse fracture of the radius
- 1 inch proximal to the radio-carpal joint
- Dorsal displacement and angulation
What happens in a Smith’s fracture? [1]
Volar angulation of distal radius fragment [Garden spade deformity]
Cause of Smith fracture [1]
Falling backwards onto palm of outstretch hand, or falling with wrists fixed
What’s a Bennett’s fracture and when does it occur? Bonus: appearance on XR [3]
Intra-articular fracture at the base of the thumb metacarpal
Impact on flexed metacarpal, caused by fist fights
X-ray: triangular fragment at the base of metacarpal
When do Monteggias’s fractures occur? [3]
Dislocation of the proximal radioulnar joint in association with an ulna fracture
Fall on outstretched hand with forced pronation
Needs prompt diagnosis to avoid disability
When do Galleazzi fractures occur? [4]
Radial shaft fracture with associated dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint
Occur after a fall on the hand with a rotational force superimposed on it.
On examination, there is bruising, swelling and tenderness over the lower end of the forearm.
X Rays reveal the displaced fracture of the radius and a prominent ulnar head due to dislocation of the inferior radio-ulnar joint.
When do Barton’s fractures occur? [2]
Distal radius fracture (Colles’/Smith’s) with associated radiocarpal dislocation
Fall onto extended and pronated wrist
When do Scaphoid fractures occur? [7]
Scaphoid fractures are the commonest carpal fractures.
Surface of scaphoid is covered by articular cartilage with small area available for blood vessels (fracture risks blood supply)
Forms floor of anatomical snuffbox
Risk of fracture associated with fall onto outstretched hand (tubercle, waist, or proximal 1/3)
The main physical signs are swelling and tenderness in the anatomical snuff box, and pain on wrist movements and on longitudinal compression of the thumb.
Ulnar deviation AP needed for visualization of scaphoid
Immobilization of scaphoid fractures difficult
When do radial head fractures occur? [3]
Fracture of the radial head is common in young adults.
It is usually caused by a fall on the outstretched hand.
On examination, there is marked local tenderness over the head of the radius, impaired movements at the elbow, and a sharp pain at the lateral side of the elbow at the extremes of rotation (pronation and supination).
Which condition has a strong association with temporal arteritis? [1]
PMR
Histology for temporal arteritis [1]
Histology shows changes that characteristically ‘skips’ certain sections of the affected artery whilst damaging others.
Features of temporal arteritis[8]
- typically patient > 60 years old
- usually rapid onset (e.g. < 1 month)
- headache (found in 85%)
- jaw claudication (65%)
- visual disturbances
amaurosis fugax
blurring
double vision
vision testing is a key investigation in patients with suspected temporal arteritis
secondary to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy - tender, palpable temporal artery
- around 50% have features of PMR: aching, morning stiffness in proximal limb muscles (not weakness)
- also lethargy, depression, low-grade fever, anorexia, night sweats
Ix for TA [3]
raised inflammatory markers
ESR > 50 mm/hr (note ESR < 30 in 10% of patients)
CRP may also be elevated
temporal artery biopsy
skip lesions may be present
note creatine kinase and EMG normal
When does the Tx differ in temporal arteritis? [2]
urgent high-dose glucocorticoids should be given as soon as the diagnosis is suspected and before the temporal artery biopsy
if there is no visual loss then high-dose prednisolone is used
if there is evolving visual loss IV methylprednisolone is usually given prior to starting high-dose prednisolone
there should be a dramatic response, if not the diagnosis should be reconsidered
Other Tx for TA [3]
- urgent ophthalmology review
patients with visual symptoms should be seen the same-day by an ophthalmologist
visual damage is often irreversible - bone protection with bisphosphonates is required as long, tapering course of steroids is required
- low-dose aspirin is sometimes given to patients as well, although the evidence base supporting this is weak
Aspirate of painful knee in septic arthritis vs reactive vs gout[2]
Septic
- white cells
Reactive
- clear fluid
Gout
- crystals



















