Cartilage

The adult human skeletal system consists of 206 bones, in which are held together by a network of ligaments, tendons and cartilage that connect them together. Besides movement the skeleton also provides protection to vital organs such as our brain, our heart, lungs and abdominal organs. Although our skeleton provides us with such protection it is still prone to injury, wear and tear, infections, tumors and other conditions that can damage bone and become life threatening.…

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily, often from little or no apparent cause. It is also known as brittle bone disease. OI can also cause many other problems such as weak muscles, brittle teeth, and hearing loss. About 20,000 to 50,000 people in the United States have OI. In this paper, I will cover the topics of etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention (National Institute of Health). Etiology Osteogenesis…

In its most recent season, Grey’s Anatomy presented an episode in which a married couple, joyfully expecting a child, discovers that their baby has a condition known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) type II. OI is a congenital condition also known as the brittle bone disease, and as the name says it all, it means that the bones of the body experience severe fractures. Due to the severity of the fractures, fetuses diagnosed with OI type II die within a matter of weeks due to cardiac and…

From genetics to snug shoes, the cause of a hammertoe varies. Though painful, what remains certain is early detection as the key to a speedy recovery. A hammertoe is that unusual bend in your third, fourth, or little toe. With time, it can worsen, but by recognizing the issue early on, you can lessen the likelihood of surgery. We understand — you want to get back on your feet sooner than later. That's why Dr. Cox has outlined his pro-tips for healing, so you can return to life, uninterrupted.…

Three imaging modalities commonly used in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of Osteogenesis Imperfecta patients include: diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic x-ray, and bone densitometry. Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disease affecting the quantity and structure of collagen that is normally found in connective tissues, bones, and the sclera, or white portion of eyes. It is estimated that this condition affects 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 births (Antoniazzi, Mottes,…

Introduction The predominant disease that mutant FGFR3 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 3) gene causes is Achondroplasia. Furthermore, Achondroplasia means the absence of chondrocyte formation in bones. Additionally, the transformation of chondrocytes into bone cells is prevalent in the limbs as well as the facial bones of humans (1). Therefore, the predominant symptom of Achondroplasia is bone growth retardation and is found in the limbs as well as facial bones. The majority of people…

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal injury/condition occurring in one bone, a vertebra. The condition occurs when one of the vertebra slips forward. This causes the vertebra to be out of place, and can occur anywhere on the spine. It is most commonly found in the lower, or lumbar part of the back. Spondylolisthesis is commonly found in adults rather than children because of the wear and tear on adults bodies. There are 2 main types of spondylolisthesis, degenerative and spondylolytic. Degenerative…

There are many bone disorders that humans have. One bone disorder is bone spurs. Bone spurs are projections that form on the edges of the bone. The projections that form are very bony. The bone spurs appear when bones meet with other bones. They also may start to form on the bones of the spines. People think that the word “spur” means sharp but it actually stands for another bone. A spur is smooth but is very painful and causes wear and tear on the bones. Bone spurs are common in the hips,…

What is Plica syndrome? It is an irritation to the synovial membrane in the knee. This irritation is the result of repetitive friction to the tissue. Repetitive friction is due to abnormal forces at the knee, most likely in the kneecap and surrounding musculature, or may be caused by muscular weaknesses or structural abnormalities at the hip or foot, which place increased tension on the knee. “Plica syndrome can also be caused or made worse by increased activities. In some cases, a direct hit…

Pathophysiology Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is the term used for a dermatophyte infection of the sole of the foot and interdigital spaces (Porth, 2015). This infection is most commonly caused by Trichophyton rubrum, initially endemic to a small region of Southeast Asia. Dermatophytes are fungi that require keratin for growth. The fungus that causes tinea pedis falls under this umbrella. Other causes of tinea pedis include: Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum. The…