Describe the term arthritides.
Umbrella term for conditions causing inflammation and degradation of the joint which can include non-inflammatory (OA), inflammatory seropositive (RA) or inflammatory seronegative (psoriatic; crystal arthropathy; reactive; ankylosing spondylitis; enterohepatic arthritis)
How can arthritides be broadly classified?
* Inflammatory: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); Ankylosing spondylitis; Crystal arthropathies; Psoriatic Arthropathy
Outline the difference between articular and peri-articular pain.
State 4 structures present at a joint.
Describe Osteoarthritis.
Degenerative joint disorder, a type of arthritide, caused by inflammation of the whole joint resulting in degradation of the articular cartilage, synovium and subchondral bone characterised by symptoms of joint pain, functional difficulties.
State 3 RFs for OA.
How may osteoarthritis present?
• Joint pain: worse on movement; better on rest
• Functional difficulties: post-rest stiffness (‘gelling’)
• Swelling
- Heberden’s Nodes (DIP); Bouchard’s Nodes
Note: Heberden’s Nodes»_space;> Bouchard’s Nodes (common)
• Stiffness: Morning stiffness
• Antalgic gait
• Crepitus
• Effusion
• Bony deformities: Bouchard’s nodes (PIP)/Heberden’s nodes (DIP)
• Reduced range of movement
• Malalignment: genu valgum (knock-knees); genu varum (bow-legs)
Note: Varus thrust (worsening varus alignment when weight-bearing) = worsened medial knee OA
Which finger swellings are more present in OA? Describe what joints are typically affected.
Heberden’s Nodes - swelling of the DIP
What are the 4 radiographic signs seen in OA on XR.
Mnemonic: LOSS
What Grading System may be used to objectively measure OA on XR.
Outline the grades.
Kellgren-Lawrence Grading System
Grade 0 = no OA
Grade 1 = doubtful JSN and possible OPs
Grade 2 = OPs and possible JSN
Grade 3 = multiple OPs, definite JSN, cystic areas with sclerotic walls and possible bony contour deformity
Grade 4 = large OPs, multiple sclerotic areas and deformity of bone contour
A XR-knee shows definite JSN loss and multiple OPs, what grade of KL is this?
Grade 3
An XR-Hip shows doubtful JSN but some possible osteophytes. What KL grade is this?
Grade 1
An XR-Knee shows definite osteophytes and possible JSN, it is unclear. What KL grade is this?
Grade 2
An XR-Hip shows multiple large osteophytes, definite JSN and severe sclerosis.
What KL Grade is this?
Grade 4
How do you manage patient with OA?
Supportive: education/ weight loss/ self-management/ exercise
Medical: analgesia (paracetamol/diclofenac/tramadol/co-codamol); Methylprednisolone IA
Surgery: Total knee arthroplasty
Describe septic arthritis?
Infection of ≥ 1 joints caused by a pathogen either through direct inoculation or via haematogenous spread which is characterised by joint pain, fever and potential haemodynamic instability
State 3 pathogens that may cause Septic Arthritis.
State 3 RFs for Septic Arthritis.
What investigations would confirm a suspected case of septic arthritis?
• Arthrocentesis + Gram stain + White cell count: Pathogen present; Urate or pyrophosphate crystals may be present; Normal (≤ 3000 WCC/mm3)/ Inflammatory fluid (> 3000WCC/mm3)/ Septic fluid (up to 75 000 WCC/mm3)
-> Send to lab for urgent processing; Act on clinical suspicion at the time
• FBC: Leukocytosis perhaps
• CRP: Elevated
• Swab + Culture (Urethra/Cervix/Anorectum): Positive for gonococcal infection
How would you manage a patient with septic arthritis of a native joint?
• ABX: Ceftriaxone (Meningococcal)/ Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin (Gonococcal)/ ∑ Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Pyrazinamide + Ethambutol (TB)/ Vancomycin (Gram Positive)
±
• Surgery: Joint aspiration
±
• Analgesia: Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen/ Diclofenac
How do you manage a case of septic arthritis in a prosthetic joint without systemic involvement?
ABX
+
• Surgery: Arthrocentesis/Joint replacement
±
• Analgesia: Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen/ Diclofenac
Describe osteomyelitis.
Infection of the bone caused by pathogen (commonly Staphylococcus spp.) transmitted by hematogenous spread or direct inoculation involving a single bone
How may osteomyelitis present?
What would an XR of a bone with osteomyelitis show?
• XR: Osteopenia; Bone destruction; Periosteal reaction; Cavities; Involucrum (thick sheath of periosteal bone surrounding sequestrum); Sequestrum (necrotic bone fragment); Cloacae (opening of involucrum)