Phase 2 - MSK Flashcards
Define Osteoarthritis
An AGE related, DYNAMIC REACTION PATTERN of a joint in response to INSULT and INJURY - also has a genetic component
(aka NON-INFLAM DEGENERATIVE MECHANINCAL SHEARING OF JOINTS, usually age related)
- All tissues of joint involved but esp ARTICULAR CARTILAGE
- Changes in underlying bone at joint margin
- Multifactorial in origin
Subtypes of osteoarthritis
- Nodal OA - strong genetic component- Inflammatory/erosive OA- Hip OA- Knee OA
OA Staging
1 = doubtful = ~10% cartilage loss2 - osteophyte development starts (looks like little bony outpouchings)3 - increased loss of joint space + osteophytes4 - severe
Epidemiology of OA
- Most common condition affecting synovial joints- Most important condition relating to disability as result of locomotor symptoms- 8.75 million people in the UK have sought treatment for OAImpact to UK economy ~1% GNP (2008):- Lost days of work- Incapacity benefit- Treatment strategies
Causes/risk factors of OA
- AGE (cumulative effect + decline in neuromuscular function) - esp >50 y/o- FEMALE (post menopause)- GENETIC predisposition - esp if POLYARTICULAR (COL2A1)- OBESITY - thought to be due to the low grade inflam state - release of IL1, TNF, ADIPOKINES (Leptin. adiponectin)- Occupation - manual labour - small hand joints - farming hips - football - kneesOthers:- Direct trauma- Inflam arthritis- Abnormal biomechanics (e.g. congenital hip dysplasia, hypermobility, NEUROPATHIC CONDITIONS)
Percentage of people over 65 with osteoarthritis
80-90% over 65 will have radiographic evidence of OA and 50% will have symptoms
Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis
Characterised by:- LOSS OF CARTILAGE due to shift in homeostatic balance of tissue (i.e. imbalance between the cartilage being worn down and the chondrocytes repairing so net loss) - Matrix metalloproteinases increase -> collagen degradation + cyst formation -> increased mechanical wear -> stiffness + pain - Nitric oxide further activates metalloproteinases- DISORDERED BONE REPAIR (attemt to overcome via T1 collagen -> formation of osteophytes)A METABOLICALLY ACTIVE + DYNAMIC PROCESS - mediated by CYTOKINES:- IL-1- TNFa- NOand DRIVEN BY MECHANICAL FORCES
SIgns + symptoms of OA
- PAIN (may not be present despite radiographic change)- Transient Morning stiffness <1 hr (some say < 30 mins) - stiffness gets worse over course of day/with more activity- FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT: - Walking - Activities of daily living - Inability to do stuff -> muscle wasting -> make things worseSigns:- Altered GAIT- JOINT SWELLING (usually asymmetrical, hard + non-inflamed) - Bony enlargement - Heberden’s (DIP) and Bouchard’s (PIP) nodes + esp used joints 1st MCP, MTP, hip/knees(in nodal) - Effusion - Synovitis (if inflammatory component)- Limited range of motion- Crepitus (crackling noises - esp in patellar OA)- Tenderness- DeformitiesNo extra-articular presentation
Investigations for OA
X-RAY - remember findings as JOSSA (like bone fossa)- Joint space narrowing- Osteophyte formation- Sub-chondral sclerosis- Sub-chondral cysts- Abnormalities of bone contourBloods normal
Diff diagnosis OA
Rheumatoid or Reactive Arthritis
Non-medical management of OA
- Patient education/support- Activity/exercise- Weight loss (can be a pre-requisite for surgery)- Physiotherapy- Occupational therapyWeight bearing supports:- Footwear/orthoses (can get wedge to improve weight bearing)- Walking aids: stick, frame- Splints
Pharm treatments of OA
Pain killers/anti-inflamTopical- NSAIDs- Capsaicin creamOral- Paracetamol- NSAIDs (with caution - may be paired with PPIs)- Opioids (don’t work for chronic pain -> addiction)Transdermal patches- Buprenorphine (strong opiod)- Lignocaine (local anaesthetic + antiarrhythmic)Intra-articular steroid injections (not disease modifying and then get steroid side effects so not as commonly used if avoidable)DMARDs for inflam OA
Surgical treatment of OA
- Arthroscopy (only indicated for loose bodies) - camera into joint- Osteotomy (partial removal of bone)- Arthoplasty (complete replacement) - will eventually have to be replaced- Fusion of bones (if joint won’t tolerate replacement well e.g. ankle/foot) - stops pain but loss of mobility
Indications for Arthoplasty
- Significant/uncontrolled pain (esp at night)- Sig loss of functionIt may be discouraged in youger patients as they will inevitably need replacement
Complication of OA
- pain, loss of function etc.- Loose bodies (bone/cartilage fragment) can get stuck within joints and can cause the joint to ‘lock’ - esp in KNEE - only indication of ARTHROSCOPY in OA
Presentation of Nodal OA
- affects hands -> reduced function- Heberden’s (DIP) and Bouchard’s (PIP) nodes- MCP esp of thumb affected- Initial inflam phase- BONY SWELLINGS + CYSTS- Relapse/remit over a few years
Presentation of Knee OA
- Can affect 3 compartments (in isolation or a combination of these): - Medial (mc) - Lateral - Patellofemoral (request more views when imaging)- Slow evolution if no significant trauma- Oft stays stable for years once established (unless there is trauma)
Presentation of Hip OA
- Pain in groin - may persist at night and wake people up- Difficulty walking
Presentation of Erosive/Inflam OA
- Erosive element - can look like birds wings on scan- Inflammatory component- DMARD therapy oft used (ususally milder things like hydroxychloroquine)
When can a clinical diagnosis of OA be made without investigation
If patient is:- Over 45 - Has typical activity related joint pain - No morning stiffness or morning stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes
Advice to give regarding a prescription of alendronate
- Take first thin in morning- On an empty stomach- Remain upright 30 mins after taking
Define fibromyalgia
A chronic pain syndrome diagnosed by presence of widespread MSK pain lasting >3 MONTHS with all other causes ruled out
DDx of Fibromyalgia
Polymyalgia Rheumatica also presents with widespread pain, more common in females- but presents almost exclusively OVER 50 Y/O- Also has raised ESR/CRP
Risk factors of Fibromyalgia
- FEMALE- Poor socieconomic status- Depression/stress- 20-50 Y/O