MSK Flashcards
What are the key features of bone remodelling?
It’s a complex balance between bone formation and bone resorption, mediated by several different chemicals
Stages of fracture healing (5)
- Haematoma and inflammation
- Organisation (granulation tissue forms)
- Primary callus response (osteoprogenitor cells become osteoblasts)
- External bridging callus
- Remodelling stage several months after to streamline the callus formation
What material do osteoblasts form?
Osteoid
What happens if a fracture is not properly immobilised?
Cartilage is formed instead of bone
Local (early) complications of fractures (5)
Infection Bleeding Dislocation of joint Skin loss/tissue injury Damage to nerves and vessels
Local (delayed) complications of fractures (5)
Damage to epiphyseal growth plates in children
Avascular necrosis of bone
Osteoarthritis
Delayed union
Non-union (no healing at all)
Systemic complications of fractures (8)
Cardiac shock Fat embolus (within 24-72 hrs) DIC Septic shock Bed sores DVT/PE ARDS (even when no injury near chest) Pneumonia
Factors impairing healing (11)
Age Diabetes Malnutrition Cancer Radiotherapy Infection Ischaemia Soft tissue injury Compound fracture Large fracture gap
Name for infection of bones?
Osteomyelitis
Name for infection of joints?
Spetic arthritis
Why are bone infections hard to treat?
Poor blood supply, hard to get antibiotics to get into the bone
What age group commonly gets acute osteomyelitis
Young children and infants
Important DDx of crying child
X rays are no use in diagnosis, therefore have a high index of suspicion and take blood cultures
Most common organism causing acute osteomyelitis?
Staph aureus
Most common organism causing acute osteomyelitis <4 yr olds?
Haem influenzae
Most common organism causing acute osteomyelitis in sickle cell disease?
Salmonella typhi
Aetiology of acute osteomyelitis?
Typically a haematogenous spread from minor infection eg tooth or toenail
Can be a complication of open fracture, metal prothesis, or in people who are immunosuppressed
What LATE x ray sign can be seen in osteomyelitis?
Sometimes can see a periosteal reaction (fluffiness of periosteum)
Progression of acute osteomyelitis?
Bone abscess can exert pressure within bone causing further necrosis, infection, and destruction
How do you prevent a bone infection?
Urgent debridement of open fractures
Strict aseptic technique in surgery
Use of prophylactic Abx in open fractures and surgery
Which age group gets chronic osteomyelitis?
Usually adults
DOES NOT FOLLOW ON FROM ACUTE OSTEOMYELITIS, DIFFERENT DISEASES
Represents the presence of a smouldering infection which causes bone necrosis and formation.
Causes marked bone deformity
Complications of osteomylitis? (acute and chronic)
Sepsis
Bone deformtiy
Osteoarthritis
Skin sinus formation
Squamous carcinoma (Marjolin’s ulcer)
Systemic amyloid (causes liver and renal failure)
What is Marjolin’s ulcer?
A squamous carcinoma that can form in long standing chronic osteomyelitis
What causes bone/joint TB?
ALWAYS secondary to pulmonary TB (miliary primary TB or reactivation of secondary infection due to immunosuppression)
Where does bone TB arise?
Spine, long bones, hips, knees, small bones of hands and feet