What is sciatica?
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, traveling from the lower back to the hips/buttocks and down each leg. Typically presents unilaterally.
What are the key findings for sciatica?
High sensitivity to low lumbar disc herniation, including L3 straight leg test, L4 diminished knee jerk, L5 numbness at big toe, and S1 absent ankle jerk.
What is spinal stenosis?
Narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress spinal nerves.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Dull, aching low back pain that is relieved by sitting, commonly occurs in patients 50+ in the lumbar and cervical regions.
What are the signs/symptoms of discitis?
Pain that remains when supine, aching pain that disturbs sleep, and may also have systemic symptoms such as fever.
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
A chronic inflammatory disease and autoimmune arthritis.
What are the signs/symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?
Intense neck pain that extends down the spine with limited range of motion and a hunched back, more common in males than females.
What are the test tips for ankylosing spondylitis?
Patient has no history of trauma, often seen with ulcerative colitis, and X-ray findings include ‘bamboo spine’ with continuous spine lesions and stenosis.
What is cauda equina syndrome?
Compression of the nerve roots of cauda equina causing motor and sensory dysfunction.
What are the common causes of cauda equina syndrome?
Ruptured lumbar disc leading to severe lower back pain with ‘saddle anesthesia.’
What are the signs/symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?
Numbness and tingling in lower extremities with new-onset incontinence. Refer to ED immediately.
What are stress fractures?
Lower extremity injuries caused by overuse, leading to micro-tears and inflammation of muscles, tendons, and bone tissue.
What are common symptoms of stress fractures?
“Shin splints” - common in runners and strenuous exercise athletes.
How are stress fractures diagnosed?
Not visible on X-rays; need MRI or bone scan to confirm.
What is the treatment for stress fractures?
R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and low-impact exercises.
What is the ‘Female Athlete Triad’?
A condition at increased risk for female athletes, characterized by eating disorders, amenorrhea (ceased periods), and osteoporosis.
What is gout?
A form of arthritis characterized by severe joint tenderness and redness, usually affecting one joint at a time (often the big toe joint “podagra”).
What causes gout?
Uric acid crystals.
How is gout diagnosed?
Uric acid levels (>7) via aspiration of joint synovial fluid; levels are not always elevated during acute attacks.
What lifestyle modifications are recommended for gout?
Low purine diet, avoid diuretics (HCTZ’s in hypertension) and alcohol.
What is the prevention medication for gout?
Allopurinol, which helps lower uric acid levels; do not start during an acute attack.
What are common treatments for acute gout attacks?
NSAIDs, corticosteroids, colchicine (start if many joints affected or if NSAIDs ineffective).
What are common NSAIDs used for musculoskeletal complaints?
Ketorolac (Toradol), Diclofenac (Voltaren), Naproxen (Aleve), Celecoxib (Celebrex), Meloxicam (Mobic), and Indomethacin (Indocin).
Avoid in CHF patients; Naproxen has the fewest cardiovascular effects.
What are anti-platelet medications?
Medications that prevent platelet clumping, including Aspirin (ASA), Clopidogrel, and Ticagrelor.