MOD 5: knee red flags

Question 1

What are red flags in the context of knee pathology?

Answer 1

Indicators that may warrant referral for conditions beyond the scope of musculoskeletal intervention

Red flags include progressive conditions, constant symptoms unrelieved by movement, and constitutional signs.

Question 2

List some constitutional signs that may indicate systemic disease.

Answer 2

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• General malaise
• Unremitting headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite

These signs may suggest that a patient is not appropriate for musculoskeletal intervention.

Question 3

True or false: A fever in a patient with knee pain suggests they should be treated immediately.

Answer 3

FALSE

A fever may preclude treatment and indicates a need for further evaluation.

Question 4

What is cellulitis?

Answer 4

An inflammation with a bacterial infection of the skin that spreads widely through tissue spaces

It may result from skin ulceration or abrasion and can present with signs of inflammation.

Question 5

What are the signs of inflammation associated with cellulitis?

Answer 5

• Pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Redness
• Irregular erythema
• Reddish streaks

These signs may indicate a serious infection requiring medical attention.

Question 6

What is compartment syndrome?

Answer 6

A painful condition characterized by a rapid increase in pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to loss of blood flow

Symptoms include severe pain, paresthesia, and the four Ps: paresthesia, paresis, pallor, pulselessness.

Question 7

What are the four Ps associated with compartment syndrome?

Answer 7

• Paresthesia
• Paresis
• Pallor
• Pulselessness

These signs indicate a potential medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Question 8

What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Answer 8

A condition characterized by pain in the calf, potentially accompanied by numbness, tingling, and increased pressure

DVT is a medical emergency and may present with swelling and discoloration.

Question 9

What are the Ottawa Knee Rules used for?

Answer 9

To determine if a person should go for imaging (radiograph) based on specific criteria

Factors include age, tenderness, inability to flex the knee, and inability to bear weight.

Question 10

What are the Pittsburgh Knee Rules?

Answer 10

Criteria to determine if someone should have imaging based on age and trauma history

Includes factors such as blunt trauma and inability to bear weight.

Question 11

What is peripheral arterial occlusive disease?

Answer 11

A condition that leads to trauma or injury to nerves and tissues, particularly during exercise

Symptoms may include cramping in the legs and coolness of the extremities.

Question 12

List some risk factors for peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

Answer 12

• Age over 50
• Type 2 diabetes
• History of heart disease
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle

These factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition.