Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
17 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
define degenerative |
Adjective characterised by progressive deterioration and loss of function in the organs or tissues |
|
what are the structures involved in degenerative changes |
bone muscle joints: cartilage tendons ligaments |
|
what 2 types of degeneration could occur in bone |
reduction in bone density - osteoporosis -makes bone more prone to fracture
reactive changes to degeneration of cartilage/joint- sclerosis
(sclerosis is the abnormal hardening of bone btw) |
|
how is cartilage affected in degenerative disorders |
Loss of articular cartilage Reduction in range of movement |
|
how are ligaments affected in degenerative disorders |
-Tearing of ligamentous stabilising structures – can lead to instability/malalignment/accelerated cartilage loss Myxoid/cystic degenerative changes -Thickening/hypertrophy |
|
how are tendons affected in degenerative disorders |
-- ‘Tendinosis’ --Tendon tear -Pain |
|
how are muscles affected by degenerative disorders |
Reduction in bulk. Fatty infiltration. More prone to injury |
|
what are the advantages of X-rays |
Good bony anatomical detail (superimposed) Indication of bone density Can assess joint space (gives an indication of cartilage thickness, but cartilage itself is not seen) Demonstrates alignment of joint Reparative bony changes can be seen |
|
what are the characteristic signs for OA on an X-Ray |
Joint space narrowing Subarticular cyst formation (geodes) |
|
what are the advantages of CT |
Imagine multiple x rays at slightly different depths (so structures are not superimposed). Ionising radiation. Much higher doses than x rays Good bony anatomical detail Indication of bone density Joint space gives indirect assessment of cartilage status Alignment Reparative bony changes Relatively poor for muscle/tendon/ligaments Can give images in multiple planes/3D |
|
what are the advantages of Ultrasound |
No radiation Good for superficial structures. Does not penetrate bone (can see cortex) Excellent assessment of tendons/ligaments - where accessible Limited assessment of articular cartilage – where accessible Can assess muscle |
|
what are the advantages of MRI |
No radiation Excellent assessment of cartilage/tendons/ligaments/muscle/bone (including marrow) Can assess alignment of joints Demonstrates bone marrow changes (not seen on xray/CT/US) Multiplanar. Thin slice. Relatively expensive and time consuming Not all patients are suitable (e.g. pacemaker/cochlear implant) |
|
how do non bony structures affect degenerative disorders in the knee |
Non bony injuries (menisci, ligamentous structures) can cause instability/abnormal load distribution causing accelerated articular cartilage and bony degenerative changes |
|
degenerative change in the shoulder frequently involves what? |
Non bony injuries (menisci, ligamentous structures) can cause instability/abnormal load distribution causing accelerated articular cartilage and bony degenerative changes |
|
what is CPPD |
calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate |
|
what are the 2 main things that X-rays can directly assess and what is the thing it can indirectly assess |
directly - bony changes and alignment indirectly - cartilage |
|
major advantage of CT over X-ray |
CT uses mutliple layers and so you can see areas which are hidden on X-Rays due to superimposed structures |