MSK Peer Teaching Flashcards
(160 cards)
what is the role of articular cartilage
friction reduction
shock absorption
what is the role of the synovial fluid
lubrication
shock absorption
nutrient distribution (since hyaline cartilage is avascular and relies on diffusion from SF)
what is the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis
- this is non-inflammatory wear and tear resulting from loss of articular cartilage
- there is an imbalance of cartilage damage and repair
- damage
- disordered repair
- fibrillations
- osteophytes
- sclerosis
risk factors for osteoarthritis
older
female
genes
obesity
previous joint trauma
RA
gout
name a disease that reduces the risk of osteoarthritis
osteoporosis
presentation of OA
mostly knee and hip but can be anywhere
pain on movement and at rest if severe
worse at the END of the day
minimal swelling
morning stiffness lasts <30 minutes
affects the DIPs
crepitus
osteoarthritis X ray findings
- LOSS
- loss of joint space
- osteophytes
- subchondral sclerosis
- subchondral cysts
Ix for osteoarthritis
- bloods: normal
- X-Ray: Loss
treatment for osteoarthritis
- conservative
- weight loss
- exercise
- physio
- hot/cold packs
- medical
- analgesic ladder
- intra-articular steroids
- PPI if long term NSAIDs
- surgical
- osteophyte removal
- joint replacement
what is rheumatoid arthritis
it is chronic systemic inflammatory disease due to deposition of immune complexes in synovial joints which causes symetrical, deforming polyarthritis
how common is RA
common it’s ~ 0.5 - 1% of the population
rheumatoid arthritis risk factors
increasing age
female
premenopausal
smoking
stress
infection
what is the typical presentation of RA
symmetrical swollen, painful and stiff joints (hands and feet) which is worse in the morning for >1hr and in hot weather. symptoms ease off with use
name 4 deformities associated with RA
rheumatoid nodule on elbow
ulnar defiation
boutonniere
swan neck deformity
z thumb
signs of RA apart from deformities
MCP, PIP, MTP, DIP (sparingly) symmetrical swelling
muscle wasting
carpal tunnel syndrome
9 extra-articular manifestations of RA
weight loss
xeropthalmia
pulmonary fibrosis
pericarditis
sjorgen’s
raynaud’s
neuropathies
scleritis
increased CV event risk
diagnostic criteria for RA
- You need 4 of the following 7
- morning stiffness
- arthritis of 3 or more joints
- arthritis of hand joints
- symmetrical
- rheumatoid nodules
- rheumatoid factor +ve
- radiographic changes (LESS)
radiographic changes seen in RA
- LESS
- loss of joint space
- erosions (peri-articular)
- soft tissue swelling
- soft bones (osteopenia)
Investigations for RA
- rheumatoid factor (only 70% patients)
- anti-CCP (anticitrulinated protein antibody)
- very specific
- FBC
- high platelets
- high CRP
- high ESR
- X-Ray
- LESS
treatment for RA
- initially NSAIDS
- give PPI
- refer to rheumatology
- early use of DMARDs reduces joint destruction
- methotrexate
- sulfasalazine
- biologics
- rituximab
- encourage exercise and manage RF
name 6 groups involved in the RA MDT
GP
Rheumatolgy
OT
Physiotherapy
acute exacerbations of RA are treated how
with IM steroid like methylprednisolone
TNF-alpha blockers like etenercept if DMARDs aren’t working
how is the swelling different in RA and OA
in RA the swelling is usually due to joint effsions in OA it’s bony
what is osteoporosis
it is low bone mass, high bone fragility and increased fracture risk
