UMEM Educational Pearls - Orthopedics

Category: Orthopedics

Title: Spondylolysis

Keywords: back pain, sports injury (PubMed Search)

Posted: 2/14/2016 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Spondylolysis

Prevalence 3-6% in the general population (Higher in athletes)

Location: L4 (5-15% of cases) & L5 (85-95% of cases)

Population: More likely in the skeletally immature athlete due to the vulnerability of the immature pars interarticularis to repeated stress

Symptoms: Lumbar pain worse with extension

Higher risk sports: Gymnastics, diving, weightlifting, wrestling

Treatment: Bracing and activity modification, physical therapy

- Good results in 80% with conservative management allowing return to play.

- Those who fail benefit from iliac crest bone grafting and posterolateral fusion.

-Return to play is controversial in this group

Please review th images below for anaomy and imaging appearence

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/figures/A00053F01.jpg

http://www.sonsa.org/images/spondylolysis.jpg

http://www.physio-pedia.com/images/2/22/Spondylolysis_x_ray_.docx.jpg

Show References



Recommended follow-up for common orthopedic injuries

Colles'/Chauffer
Initial follow up within a 5-7 days. If surgery needed, usually wait until swelling has decreased and surgery performed after 7 days.

Smith
Within 5-7 days. Regardless of reduction, often needs surgery due to high risk of collapse. Again surgery can wait into 2nd week.

Barton (volar and dorsal tilt)
Same as Smith for both
Scapholunate dissociation
Within 5-7 days for 1st visit. Needs to be operated on within 3-4 weeks otherwise window for "repair" is gone.
Lunate dislocation
Within 3-5 days to assess reduction and neurovascular status. Higher risk of Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Perilunate dislocation
Within 3-5 days to assess stability, reduction, and neuro status.
Galeazzi (or any DRUJ injury)
Within 3-5 days as will need surgery ASAP.
Scaphoid fx seen on film
Within 5-7 days for X-ray and casting.
Scaphoid fx suspected
Within 7 days for evaluation. Usually followed 2 weeks later for X-rays.
Triquetral fracture
Within 5-7 days.


Category: Orthopedics

Title: Pediatric Fractures and the Salter Harris System

Keywords: Salter Harris, pediatric, fracture (PubMed Search)

Posted: 1/16/2016 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 1/19/2016)
Click here to contact Michael Bond, MD

The Salter Harris Classification System is used in pediatric epiphyseal fractures. The higher the type of fracture the greater the risk of complications and growth disturbance.

Some common exam facts about Salter Harris Fractures are:

  • The type II fracture is the most common.
  • The small metaphyseal fragment in Salter Harris type II and IV fractures is called the Thurston Holland Sign.
  • Type III and IV fractures often require open reduction and internal fixation due to the fracture extending into the joint.
  • Type V fractures may appear normal, but the epiphyseal plate is crushed and the blood supply is interrupted.

The Classification system as listed by Type:

  • Type I: A fracture through the physeal growth plate. Typically can not be seen on x-ray unless they growth plate is widened or displaced..
  • Type II: A fracture through the physeal growth plate and metaphysis.
  • Type III: A fracture through the physeal growth plate and epiphysis.
  • Type IV: A fracture through the epiphysis, physeal growth plate and metaphysis.
  • Type V: A crush injury of the physeal growth plate.

For Maite, a helpful mnemonic is SALTR , Slipped (Type I), Above (Type II), Lower (Type III), Through (Type IV), and Ruined or Rammed (Type V)

A image of the fractures can be found on FP Notebook at http://www.fpnotebook.com/ortho/fracture/ephyslfrctr.htm



Sever's disease also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is the most common cause of heel pain in the young adolescent (ages 8 to 12).

It can be thought of as the Achilles tendon equivalent of Osgood-Schlatter's disease (patellar tendon insertion pain).

It is a non inflammatory chronic repetitive injury.

Commonly seen bilaterally in up to two -thirds of cases.

Patients will complain of activity related pain to the heel.

There may be tenderness and local swelling at the Achilles tendon insertion.

Radiographs are not necessary for acute cases.

Treat with activity modification, heel raise, physical therapy.



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Concussion Recovery

Keywords: Adolescent, head injury (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/26/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Protracted Recovery from Concussion

Age and sex may influence concussion recovery time frame

Methods: 266 adolescent athletes presenting to a sports medicine concussion clinic

Female athletes had a longer recovery course (P=0.002) and required more treatment interventions (p<0.001).

Female athletes were more likely to require academic accommodations (p<0.001), vestibular therapy (P<0.001) and medications (P<0.001).

Be aware that not all concussion patient subgroups with concussions recover in the same manner. Further study is needed to support whether female adolescent athletes require unique management and treatment guidelines.

Show References



Quick pearl for those that are trying to complete their holiday shopping.

Mulder's sign is not a sign that there is an extra-terrestial in your ED, But rather a sign that your patient is suffering from a Morton's Neuroma (see pearl from 2012)

Patients will often complain of pain in 3rd and 4th intermetatarsal space and if you can reproduce the pain by compressing the metatarsal heads together then you have a Positive Mulder's sign. Check out the original pearl at https://umem.org/educational_pearls/1684/



Parental Knowledge of pediatric concussion

Sample: Parents of children brought to pediatric hospital or outpatient clinics for evaluation of orthopedic injuries.

Participants scored an average of 18.4 (0-25) on knowledge and 63.1 (15-75) on Attitudes toward concussions.

Safest attitudes were seen in white females. Knowledge increased with income and education levels.

Parents from low income or education levels may benefit from additional education in the ED prior to discharge in addition to providing paper information which may not be read or understood.

Show References



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Medial elbow pain and the ulnar collateral ligament

Keywords: Elbow, ligament, throwing athlete (PubMed Search)

Posted: 11/28/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Medial elbow pain is common among baseball pitchers and is also seen in other sports including football, javelin and gymnasts.

More than 97% of elbow pain in pitchers is located medially.

The ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow is an important structure in these patients.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0415/afp20140415p649-f3.jpg

While initially primarily seen in professional throwers, these injuries are now being seen in younger athletes.

Initially, patients may only note changes in stamina or strength of throws.

Later, they will note pain during the acceleration and follow through-phase of throwing

http://stlhealthandwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/elbow03.jpg

The Valgus stress test for UCL deficiency is similar to the valgus test for the knee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6YvPSVk6G8

Treatment: splinting, ice, NSAIDs

Surgical indications: Failure of non-operative treatment with desire to return to same or higher level competition.



Hook of Hamate Fracture

Rare (2% of all carpal fractures)

Mechanism usually direct blow from a stick sport (golf, hockey, baseball)

Presents with hypothenar pain and pain with gripping activities

Physical examination - local swelling and tenderness to palpation over hook of hamate

Diagnostic test - Hook of hamate pull test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-mjRnC1yWQ

XR - standard wrist series but add carpal tunnel view

http://openi.nlm.nih.gov/imgs/512/60/2904904/2904904_256_2009_842_Fig1_HTML.png

http://www.cmcedmasters.com/uploads/1/0/1/6/10162094/7851913.png?359



Happy Halloween!! 

I hope you have had a safe and fun Halloween. Thank you to all the people that are staffing the EDs on a Saturday Night Halloween.

Prostate-Selective Alpha Antagonists have been tied to Falls and increased risk of fractues in elderly men.  These medications can lead to syncope and hypotension putting patients at increased risk of falls. A recent canadian study showed that at 90 days of use; individuals on alpha antagonists were at increased risk of hospital visits for falls (1.45% vs. 1.28%) or fractures (0.48% vs. 0.41%). There was also an increased risk of  head trauma.

Please warn patients that are on these medications of the risks, so that injuries can be minimized. They should take specific care when changing postural positions, and report episodes of lightheadedness to their PCPs.

The article can be found at http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5398

Show References



A traditional ED practice has been to combine promethazine as an anxiolytic adjunct to morphine for patients with musculoskeletal pain (eg back pain).

However, when compared to morphine alone, this combination does not lead to greater analgesia or decrease anxiety. It does however prolong ED length of stay.

This use of this "pain cocktail" is not recommended

Show References



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Baker Cyst

Keywords: Popliteal cyst, knee swelling (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/26/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Most common mass in popliteal fossa

Incidence 10 to 58%

Intra-articular pathology results in flow of synovial fluid from the joint into the bursa, forming a cyst

Association with concomitant intra-articular disorders 94%

Possible pathology - Meniscus, ligamentous, arthritis, other osteochondral defects

In children this is not a pathologic finding

Symptoms - Posterior knee bulging, posterior tightness/stiffness esp. with knee flexion

Ultrasound - 100% sensitive/specific

DDx: DVT

Tx: Refer for ultrasound guided aspiration, fenestration and steroid injection

http://www.caringmedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Bakers-Cyst-treatment.jpg

Show References



Shoulder Dislocation Reduction

Do you have a chronic dislocated that frequents your ED? Are you interested in teaching them a way to relocate their shoulder without looking like Mel Gibson from Lethal Weapon, https://youtu.be/Igrdi_lhhW4, then the newly described GONAIS method might be what you are looking for.

This technique has the patient grab the top of a chair with the hand on the affected side, and then slowly equating, effectively bringing the hand and arm above their head. Once in the full squat position the patient can step backwards which should reduce the shoulder. If not they can use the opposite hand to apply pressure to push the humerus backward and reduce the location.

The full article can be found at http://bit.ly/1iZ8a9z

Show References



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Policeman's Heel

Keywords: policeman, heel, contusion (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/29/2015 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 7/16/2024)
Click here to contact Michael Bond, MD

Policeman's Heel:

When patient's present complaining of heel pain we often think immediately of plantar fascititis,and heel spurs. If they jumped and landed on the heel with are concerned for calcaneal fracture.  However, a policeman's heel can occur from repetitive bounding of the heel or from landing on it as in a fall or jump.

Policeman's heel has been descirbed as a plantar calcaneal bursitis, inflammation of the sack of fluid (bursa) under the heel bone, or a contusion of the heel bone due to flattening and displacement of the heel fat pad, which leaves a thinner protective layer allowing the bone to get bruised.

Regardless of cause this responds well to NSAIDs, limiting weight bearing, or taping the foot. If the repetitive activity is not reduced this can easily become a chronic cause of heel pain.  A short video showing how to tape the foot can be found at https://youtu.be/nQtkwfJrhXo



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Exercise Associated hyponatremia

Keywords: Sodium Supplementation, Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia, Prolonged Exercise (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/22/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Sodium Supplementation and Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia (EAH) during Prolonged Exercise (ultramarathon running)

Weight loss of around 4% body weight (relative to pre race weight) can be anticipated to maintain euhydration in such a prolonged event

Those who become symptomatic with EAH have either gained weight or lost less that 3-4% body weight

Overhydration rather than inadequate supplemental sodium intake is a greater contributor to the development of EAH

There is a suggested link between EAH and rhabdomyolysis. The mechanism remains unknown and it is unclear which condition may augment the other. Further research is needed.

Take home: Avoid overhydration during prolonged exercise to prevent EAH.

Show References



Handcuff Neuropathy

Compression of the superficial radial nerve against the radius.

Tends to occur with prisoners (too tight cuffs or person struggling)

Usually purely sensory lesion

Nerve regeneration can take 8 weeks (about an inch a month)

Document sensory exam to sharps or 2 point sensation.

DDx: De Quervain's, Carpal tunnel, Gamekeeper's thumb,

No need to splint



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Triquetral fractures

Keywords: x-ray, fracture, wrist (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/26/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Triquetral fractures are the 2nd most common carpal fractures (scaphoid).

Dorsal surface most commonly.

Usually occur from impingement from the ulnar styloid, shear injury or from ligamentous avulsion.

XR: best seen on the lateral projection

http://images.radiopaedia.org/images/902179/42b3487baf4fb66183c51cd982477d_big_gallery.jpg

Remember this injury/radiographic appearance the next time you see an avulsion fracture dorsal to the proximal row of carpal bones on the lateral film but are unsure of the donor site.



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Compartment Syndrome - Making the diagnosis

Keywords: compartment syndrome, diagnosis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/18/2015 by Michael Bond, MD
Click here to contact Michael Bond, MD

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a diagnosis that needs to be made quickly in order to prevent long term muscle, nerve, and vascular compromise.

Two pieces of information are needed to determine if the patient has compartment syndrome.

  1. The patient's diastolic blood pressure (DBP) value
  2. The pressure value obtained from the compartment of concern (Compartment pressure)

Diastolic Pressure - Compartment pressure < 30 makes the diagnosis of compartment syndrome

So if a diastolic blood pressure is 80 and the compartment pressure is 40 the difference is 40 mmHg and the patient likely does not need a fasciotomy.  The diagnosis can only be 100% onfirmed by a trip to the OR so these values should still be discussed with your local orthopaedist.  When calling them just make sure you know both the DBP and the compartment pressure so that it can be interpreted correctly.



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Sports hernia

Keywords: Hernia, abdominal pain (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/11/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

A sports hernia is a painful musculotendinous injury to the medial inguinal floor.

It is the result of repetitive eccentric overload to the abdominal wall stabilizers of the pelvis.

It is common in sports that require sudden changes of direction or intense twisting movements.

Despite the term "hernia" in the title, it is not a true hernia as there is no "herniation" of abdominal contents

http://www.ssorkc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/publagia.gif

Figure description: The upward and oblique pull of the abdominal muscles on the pubis fights against the downward and lateral pull of the adductors on the inferior pubis. This imbalance of forces can lead to injury.

PE: Evaluation of other GU/GYN/other intra-abdominal pathology comes first.

Clinician may note tenderness of the pubic ramus and medial inguinal floor.

Pain is more severe with resisted hip adduction and with resisted sit-up.

Combining these maneuvers (resisted situp while adducting hips) recreates the pathophysiology described above and is a good exam maneuver.

Show References



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Fractures of the distal radius

Keywords: wrist injury, FOOSH, Distal radius fracture (PubMed Search)

Posted: 6/27/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Colles fracture

Almost 90% of distal radius fractures

Mechanism: Fall on the outstretched, hyperextended, radially deviated wrist with the forearm in pronation

Often seen in older patients and in those with osteoporosis

Distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation/displacement and/or radial shortening. "Dinner fork deformity"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colles'_fracture#/media/File:Colles_fracture.JPG

Smith fracture (aka reverse Colles fracture)

Mechanism: Fall on the outstretched, flexed, radially deviated wrist with the forearm in pronation

Usually younger patients with high energy mechanism

Distal radius fracture with volar angulation or volar displacement. "Garden spade" deformity

Often unstable requiring ORIF

http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/data/bin/w440/a50979780ec887_Smith'-tek.jpg

Radial styloid fracture aka Chauffeur fracture

Fall causing compression of scaphoid against the styloid with wrist in dorsiflexion and ulnar deviation

Often associated with intercarpal ligamentous injuries (i.e., scapholunate dissociation, perilunate dislocation)

Often requires ORIF

http://images.radiopaedia.org/images/611818/cc52cce7bcfd8c905bcc7b5d2b6a65.jpg