Saturday, April 12, 2014

106 - Chondrosarcoma Mcqs

(ANSWERS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE)

1. True about Chondrosarcoma are
a. It is a malignant tumor
b. It is a bone forming tumor
c. 25% of all biopsied malignant bone tumors are chondrosarcomas
d. Synovial chondromatosis can turn into a chondrosarcoma
e. 8-17% of all biopsied primary bone tumors are chondrosarcomas

2. Which of the folllowing can progress to become a chondrosarcoma
a. Enchondroma
b. Osteochondroma
c. Chondromyxoid fibroma
d. Chondroblastoma
e. Synovial chondromatosis

3. Myxoid chondrosarcoma belongs to which grade of chondrosarcoma
a. Grade 1
b. Grade 2
c. Grade 3
d. None

4. Find the true statement/s
a. Chondrosarcoma is common in children
b. 50% of patients are more than 40 years old with a mean peak incidence of 50 years
c. Male to female ratio is 1.5:1
d. Clinical presentation is usually pain of insidious onset
e. Chondrosarcoma can also present with palpable mass(28%) or pathological fracture(27%)

5. Which of the following is the least commonly affected site for chondrosarcoma?
a. Pelvis
b. Proximal Femur
c. Proximal Humerus
d. Hands and Feet

6. Find the false statement/s
a. A central chondroid tumor with pain or increased growth should be regarded as chondrosarcoma until proven otherwise by biopsy or benign clinical progress
b. Chondrosarcoma is suggested if the level of scintigraphic activity in the lesion is greater than that in the anterior iliac crest
c. Calcification occurs in 29% of chondrosarcomas on CT
d. Deep endosteal cortical scalloping (greater than 2/3rds) is suggestive of chondrosarcoma as opposed to chondroma

7. Radiographic features of Chondrosarcoma are all except
a. 75% of cases show calcification
b. Small low grade chondrosarcoma may not be differentiated from a chondroma, appearing as a well defined lytic lesion with chondroid matrix mineralization.
c. Plain radiography may not accurately define medullary involvement
d. Periosteal reaction is a rare feature of chondrosarcomas

8. MRI features of chondrosarcoma are
a. Lesion is slightly hypointense to muscle on T1 and may show focal areas of hyperintensity due to trapped areas of marrow
b. Malignant cartilage shows characteristic increased signal intensity on T2 images and a multilobulated appearance
c. Matrix mineralization manifests as focal areas of signal void
d. Most chondrosarcomas are very well vascularized and enhancement after IV contrast is excellent
e. T2 images have proven valuable in the identification of dedifferentiation, in which case a region of intermediate signal intensity adjacent to the typical hyperintense chondral tumor mass is seen

9. Which of the following are true regarding a Secondary Peripheral Chondrosarcoma developing from an Osteochondroma
a. Most Osteochondromas have cartilage caps no thicker than 5mm and a cap in excess of 20mm is likely to be malignant
b. Radiological features of malignant change consist of destruction of part of the calcified cap or ossified stem of the osteochondroma
c. Malignant change should be suspected clinically if pain develops or continued growth occurs after skeletal maturity
d. Radiographs are usually used to measure the thickness of the cartilage cap of the osteochondroma

10. True statement/s about Periosteal Chondrosarcoma (a rare form of chondrosarcoma)
a. Typically involves long bones
b. Most commonly involves distal femoral and proximal humeral metaphyses
c. More common in men with a wide range of presentation
d. Radiologically a calcified juxtacortical mass is seen, with cortical thickening and periosteal reaction
e. Involvement of medulla is rare
f. Prognosis is poor.

11. True statement/s about Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma (another rare type of chondrosarcoma)
a. Occurs at a younger age (third and fourth decade)
b. Much more cellular malignant matrix than a normal chondrosarcoma
c. Some predilection for ribs and mandible noted
d. Indistinguishable from a central chondrosarcoma and often shows characteristic chondroid calcification
e. Local recurrence and disseminated metastases occur late and less frequently than with conventional chondrosarcoma

12. True statement about Clear-cell Chondrosarcoma (another rare type of Chondrosarcoma)
a. 2% of all chondrosarcomas
b. It is a high grade type of Chondrosarcoma
c. Patient has a long history and a better prognosis
d. Radiographically resembles Chondroblastoma and Chondromyxoid fibroma
e. Involves the ends of long bones, especially the proximal ends of femur or humerus after closure of the growth plate
f. Lesion is usually lytic and may present a loculated or soap-bubble appearance

---------------

ANSWERS:

1. a,c,d and e are true statements. b is false because chondrosarcomas are cartilage forming tumors and not bone forming tumors. Examples of bone forming tumors are the benign osteoma, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma and the malignant osteosarcoma.

2. All of them can progress to a chondrosarcoma.

3. b. Grade 2. Based on the histological grade, chondrosarcomas are classified into low grade (grade 1 - 45-50% of cases), Myxoid (grade 2 - 30-43% of cases) and high grade (grade 3 - 8-25% of cases). It is important to remember that there is an entity called dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma where along side chondrosarcoma another malignant high grade non-chondroid neoplasm is present (it evolves from chondrosarcoma) like Osteosarcoma or Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma.

4. b,c,d and e are true. a is the false statement because chondrosarcoma is rare in children.

5. d. Hands and feet. Only 1-4% of all chondrosarcomas develop in the Hands and feet.

6. c is the false statement. 92% of chondrosarcomas show calcifications on CT and 75% of chondrosarcomas show calcifications on Radiography.

7. d is the wrong statement. 50% of chondrosarcomas show periosteal reaction.

8. d is very wrong. Most of the chondrosarcomas are poorly vascularized and show very minimal contrast enhancement typically a peripheral or septal pattern.

9. d is a wrong statement. Cartilage caps are not visible on radiographs.

10. f is the only wrong statement. After resection of the tumor, this type of chondrosarcoma has good prognosis.

11. e is the only wrong statement. Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma which almost radiologically appears similar to the typical central chondrosarcoma has a cellular matrix which is more malignant than the typical central chondrosarcoma and so the metastases happen more early and more commonly when compared to the typical variety.

12. b is the only wrong statement. The clear cell chondrosarcoma is a low grade tumor and that is the reason for the long history and better prognosis. 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

105 - Classification of Osteosarcoma


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

104 - Fractures of Talus




Fractures of the talus are relatively uncommon (5%–7% of all foot fractures) but can result in significant morbidity. Subtle talus fractures can often go unrecognized on plain radiographs of the ankle. The posterior process is best evaluated on lateral views, whereas the lateral process should be evaluated on both lateral and AP views. The talar neck should be examined for subtle fractures. The talar dome may be the site of minor osteochondral injuries. Osteochondral injuries and fractures of the lateral and posterior processes without severe displacement often may be treated conservatively.

Fractures of the talar neck and body (which are the most common talar fractures with high energy trauma) are associated with arthritis, malunion/nonunion, and an increased risk of AVN, as the blood supply is predominantly retrograde from arteries that enter through the sinus tarsi into the talar neck. Mechanisms of injury are usually due to a dorsal force on the foot when it is plantar flexed (classically in a head on motor vehicle collision while pressing on the brake) or an axial load while the foot is inverted.
Talar neck fractures are classified by the Hawkins system. 

The risk of AVN increases as the 4 grades increase:
  • Type I is a simple nondisplaced fracture of the talar neck (AVN risk: 10%).
  • Type II is a displaced talar neck fracture and subluxation or dislocation of the subtalar joint (AVN risk: 30%).
  • Type III requires subluxation or dislocation of the subtalar and tibiotalar joint as well (AVN risk: 60%–90%).
  • Type IV requires subluxation or dislocation of the talonavicular joint (AVN risk: nearly 100%).
Management is often operative. Hawkins I may be treated conservatively with immobilization and nonweightbearing. It is vital to recognize the fracture because, if it is goes unrecognized and is treated as a sprain, nonunion or AVN become more likely. Hawkins II may have a trial of conservative management if postreduction alignment is acceptable. However, up to 50% will require eventual open reduction, internal fixation (ORIF); therefore, in practice, most will be reduced operatively at the time of injury. Hawkins III and IV will always require ORIF. 

Follow-up radiographs or MRI should be performed to assess for AVN in all fractures of the talar neck and body. MRI is sensitive for AVN as soon as 3 weeks after initial injury, although its detection may be hindered by an artifact generated by orthopedic fixation hardware.

Hawkins sign refers to subchondral osteopenia of the talar dome at 6 to 8 weeks after injury. This indicates bony resorption from disuse and implies a preserved vascular supply via the artery of the tarsal canal and the artery of the tarsal sinus.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

103 - Bennett's Fracture





*Intraarticular fracture of the Base of the first Metacarpal (Thumb).

*If the above fracture is associated with communition of the metacarpal base, it is called as rolando's fracture.

*The Bennett's fracture is important because it involves the articular surface and surgical intervention is needed in such fractures.

*If the displacement of the fracture fragments is less than 3 mm then percutaneous pin fixation is done in these cases.

*If the displacement of the fracture fragments is more than 3 mm then Open Reduction and Internal Fixation is done.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

102 - Critical angle of Gissane

*In 1947, Gissane described his critical angle or crucial angle.

*He noted a distinct angular cortical platform that parallels the lateral process of the talus on lateral radiographic projection.

*This cortical density represents the dense subchondral bone lying beneath the posterior, anterior and middle facets.

*The angular measurements vary from 130 to 145 degrees, with an average of 130 degrees.

*During an axial impaction load, the lateral process of the talus is driven through the posterior facet in a wedge like manner that facilitates the primary fracture. This extends from the lateral cortical vertex of the crucial angle and exits plantarly through the neutral triangle.

*The initial fracture, as described by Essex Lopresti, is located on the anterior distal lip of the posterior facet and connects to the primary fracture line. This fracture extends through the facet, splits it into one or multiple fragments, and impacts the lateral portions into the body.

*The crucial angle reveals the angular relationship of the calcaneal facets and should appear identical when taken bilaterally.

*Unlike Bohler’s angle, which may be aberrant with displaced extraarticular and intraarticular fractures, the crucial angle is more specific for intraarticular distortion.





 *In the above second figure: Lateral radiograph of the calcaneus shows compression (light blue arrows) and traction (yellow arrows) trabeculae, with the neutral triangle (brown triangle) in between with sparse trabeculae. The thickened cortical or thalamic portion of the bone supporting the articular facets is shown (T). The critical angle of Gissane (G) and the Boehler angle (B) have also been drawn in. The Boehler angle is normally 20°–40°.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

101 - Supports used in Scoliosis

*The above picture shows the MILWAUKEE brace, which is named after the city of Milwaukee where it was designed.


*It is most more acceptable than other braces.


*This is a body cast with a turn-buckle in between. The tightening of the turn-buckle stretches the concave side of the curve, thus correcting the deformity.


*Another type of cast called THE LOCALISER CAST is used for scoliosis. This is a body cast applied with the spine in traction. A special localiser table is required for this. I could not find a picture for this.

100 - Cobb's angle


*Cobb's angle, a measurement used for evaluation of curves in scoliosis on an AP radiographic projection of the spine (Fig.1).

*When assessing a curve the apical vertebra is first identified; this is the most likely displaced and rotated vertebra with the least tilted end plate. The end/transitional vertebra are then identified through the curve above and below. The end vertebra are the most superior and inferior vertebra which are least displaced and rotated and have the maximally tilted end plate.

*A line is drawn along the superior end plate of the superior end vertebra and a second line drawn along the inferior end plate of the inferior end vertebra.

*If the end plates are indistinct the line may be drawn through the pedicles. The angle between these two lines (or lines drawn perpendicular to them) is measured as the Cobb angle.

*In S-shaped scoliosis where there are two contiguous curves the lower end vertebra of the upper curve will represent the upper end vertebra of the lower curve. Because the Cobb angle reflects curvature only in a single plane and fails to account for vertebral rotation it may not accurately demonstrate the severity of three dimensional spinal deformity.

*As a general rule a Cobb angle of 10 is regarded as a minimum angulation to define scoliosis.

99 - Congenital scoliosis

*Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine.

*It is classified into two major types. They are Non-structural (transient) and Structural (permanent) types of scoliosis

*Non-structural scoliosis is again divided into POSTURAL scoliosis, COMPENSATORY and SCIATIC scoliosis.

*Structural scoliosis is divided into IDIOPATHIC, CONGENITAL and PARALYTIC scoliosis.

*Overall POSTURAL scloliosis is the most common type of scoliosis.

*IDIOPATHIC scoliosis is the most common type of permanent scoliosis.

*CONGENITAL SCOLIOSIS :
- This type is always associated with some form of radiologically demonstrable anomaly of the vertebral bodies. These are

A. HEMIVERTEBRAE - Only One half of the vertebra grows


B. BLOCK VERTEBRAE :- Two vertebral bodies are fused. 


C. UNSEGMENTED BAR : - A bar of bone joining two adjacent vertebrae on one side, thereby preventing growth on that side. 


*Shown below are the Plain radiographs of a pediatric patient with congenital scoliosis. (A) Posterior--anterior and (B) lateral views of the spine, with multiple congenital vertebral anomalies including hemivertebrae at thoracic and lumbar spine and block vertebrae at lumbar spine.


Monday, February 8, 2010

98 - Spinal Injuries Mcqs

1q: Which is the commonest site of spinal injuries ?
a. Thoraco-lumbar segment
b. Lower cervical spine
c. Upper cervical spine
d. Sacral spine


2q: All of the following are true about spinal injuries except ?
a. About 80% of spinal injuries result in neurological deficit
b. Thoracolumbar spine injury may result in paraplegia
c. Cervical spine injury may result in Quadriplegia
d. Any lesion to the spinal cord above T5 causes hypotension


3q: Number of vertebrae in human body ?
a. 33
b. 34
c. 35
d. 36


4q: What are the number of Cervical,thoracic,lumbar,sacral and coccygeal vertebrae in the human body respectively?
a. 7,12,5,5,4
b. 8,12,5,5,4
c, 7,12,5,5,5
d. 8,12,5,5,5


5q: The nucleus pulposus is a remnant of ?
a. Sclerotomes
b. occipital myotomes
c. Notochord
d. Mesenchyme


6q: The entire vertebral column has similar articulation except
a. C1-C2
b. C7-T1
c. T12-L1
d. L5-S1


7q: The neural arches of adjacent vertebrae articulate through which joints
a. Facet joints
b. Ball in socket joints
c. Both
d. None


8q: The adjacent laminae of the vertebrae are joined together by ?
a. Ligamentum teres
b. Ligamentum flavum
c. Ligament of treitz
d. Anterior longitudinal ligaments


9q: Posterior ligament complex includes all of the following except
a. Ligamentum flavum which joins the adjacent laminae
b. Interspinous ligaments which connect the adjacent spinous processes
c. Supraspinous ligament which connects the tips of spinous processes
d. Inter-transverse ligaments which connect the adjacent transverse processes
e. Posterior longitudinal ligament which connects the vertebral bodies posteriorly


10q: Assertion: Pure dislocation (without associated fracture) does not occur in the lumbar spine.
        Reason: The facets of the lumbar spine are stout and vertically placed where as cervical spine facets are short and more horizontally placed.
a. Assertion is True but Reasoning is false
b. Assertion is false but Reasoning is true
c. Both are true
d. Both are false


11q: The 'Three-Column concept' divides the vertebra into which of these columns
a. Medial,middle and lateral columns
b. Anterior,middle and Posterior columns
c. Both
d. None


12q: Which of the following is True about the 'Three column concept' of the spine ?
a. The anterior column consists of the anterior longitudinal ligament and the anterior part of annulus fibrosis along with the anterior half of the vertebral body
b. The middle column consists of the posterior longitudinal ligament and the posterior part of the annulus fibrosis along with the posterior half of the vertebral body
c. The posterior column consists of the posterior bony arches along with the posterior ligament complex
d. All the above


13q: Which of the following is falsely matched (multiple answers)
a. Wedge compression fracture of the vertebra-One column disrupted-Stable spine
b. Wedge compression fracture of the vertebra-One column disrupted-Unstable spine
c. Burst fracture of the body of vertebra-Two columns disrupted-Unstable spine
d. Burst fracture of the body of vertebra-Three columns disrupted-Unstable spine
e. Dislocation of one vertebra over the other-Three columns disrupted-Unstable spine


14q: Spinal injuries are best classified on the basis of mechanism of injury into the following types :
1.Flexion injury
2. Flexion-rotation injury
3. Flexion distraction injury
4. Extension injury
5. Direct injury
6. Indirect injury due to violent muscle contraction
7. Vertical compression injury
- Of the above which is the most common type of spinal injury ?


15q:Spinal injuries are best classified on the basis of mechanism of injury into the following types :
1.Flexion injury
2. Flexion-rotation injury
3. Flexion distraction injury
4. Extension injury
5. Direct injury
6. Indirect injury due to violent muscle contraction
7. Vertical compression injury
- Of the above which is the worst type of spinal injury which leaves a highly unstable spine and has a high incidence of neurological damage ?


16q: In a Flexion injury of the spine, Compression fracture of which of the following cervical vertebrae is common ?
a. C1-C2
b. C3-C4
c. C5-C7
d. None 



17q: In a Flexion injury of the spine, Dislocation of one vertebrae over another is common in which part of the cervical spine?
a. C1 over C2
b. C3 over C4
c. C5 over C6
d. C6 over C7


18q: Which of the following is false about the Dorso-lumbar spine involvement in the flexion injury of the spine 
a. Wedge compression of the L1 is most common type of injury
b. Wedge compression of L2 is the second most common type of injury
c. Wedge compression of the T12 is the third most common type of injury
d. It is a stable injury if compression of the vertebra is more than 50 percent of its posterior height


19q: Which of the following is most commonly associated with burst fracture of spine ?
a. Flexion injury
b. Flexion-rotation injury
c. Vertical compression injury
d. Extension injury


20q: Extension injury is most commonly seen in :
a. Cervical spine
b. Thoracic spine
c. Lumbar spine
d. Any of the above


This injury results in chip fracture of the anterior rim of a vertebra. Forehead striking against the windscreen forcing the neck into hyperextension and shallow water diving .

21q: Which of the following type of spinal injury occurs most commonly due to seat belt while driving a car?
a. Flexion injury
b. Flexion-rotation injury
c. Extension injury
d. Flexion-distraction injury


22q: 'Chance fracture' is associated with which of the following type of spine injury ?
a. Flexion injury
b. Flexion-rotation injury
c. Extension injury
d. Flexion-distraction injury


*With the sudden stopping of a car, the upper part of the body is forced forward by inertia while the lower part is tied to the seat by the seat belt. The flexion force thus generated has a component of 'distraction' with it.It commonly results in a horizontal fracture extended into the posterior elements and involving a part of the body. It is termed a 'Chance fracture'. It is an unstable injury. 

23q: Which of the following type of spinal injury is associated with huge retroperitoneal hematoma ?
a. Direct injury
b. Flexion injury
c. Flexion-distraction injury
d. Violent muscle contraction


*Violent muscle contraction is a rare spinal injury, where sudden violent contraction of the psoas results in fractures of the transverse processes of multiple lumbar vertebrae. It may be assocaited with a huge retroperitoneal hematoma.

24q: Antero-posterior bending and sideways bending of the spine is called ________ and ________ respectively
a. Kyphosis and scoliosis
b. Scoliosis and kyphosis
c. kyphosis and lordosis
d. Lordosis and kyphosis


25q: In which of the following types of spinal injury, the plain X-ray appears normal in the presence of highly unstable spinal injury?
a. Fall from height on the buttocks
b. Strong hit on the shoulder
c. Whiplash injury to the cervical spine
d. Bullet injury to the spine


*In the whiplash injury to the cervical spine, all the three columns of the spine are disrupted in a sudden hyperflexion followed by sudden hyperextension of the neck. eg: after the sudden stopping of car.

26q: All of the following regarding the diagnosis of spinal injuries are true except
a. A tomogram helps in better delineation of a doubtful area
b. Myelogram has proved to be a very helpful investigation in acute spinal injuries
c. One can see damaged structures more clearly with CT scan
d. MRI is the best modality of imaging in an injured spine


27q: CT is of no help in which of the following type of injury ?
a. Vertical compression injury
b. Extension injury
c. Direct injury
d. Flexion rotation injury


*Caused by motor vehicle accident and shallow water diving leading to avulsion fracture of anterior lip of vertebra. C5-C6 and lumbar spine most commonly involved. There is only anterior column failure and it is a stable fracture.


28q: What is the name of the skull calipers used for skull traction for the reduction of Cervical spine fractures?
a. Crutchfield tongs traction
b. Hutchinson's tongs traction
c. Trendelenburg tongs traction
d. Gopalan's tongs traction



29q: All of the following are true about Wedge compression fracture of the vertebra except ?
a. Results from extension force
b. Posterior elements are usually intact
c. Stable injury
d. Reduction is not required in management
e. Neck is kept immobilized with the help of skull traction
f. Neck is supported by cervical collar, plaster of paris cast or brace once the pain and muscle spasm subsides
g. Exercises of the neck are started after 8-12 weeks


30q: All of the following are true about Jefferson's fracture except :
a. It is a burst fracture of atlas where both anterior and posterior arches of the atlas are fractured by a vertical force acting through the skull
b. Displacement is very severe
c. More often than not the spinal cord escapes injury
d. Treatment consists of traction, followed by immobilisation in Minerva jacket or halo-pelvic support


31q: Which of the following statement is true regarding atlanto-axial fracture dislocation?
a. A fracture-dislocation of the atlanto-axial joint is more common than pure dislocation
b. A pure dislocation is more often associated with a neurological deficit
c. The displacement is commonly posterior
d. Treatment consists of skull, traction followed by immobilisation in Minerva jacket


32q: Clay shoveller's fracture is a fracture of the spinous process of which vertebra?
a. C1
b. T1
c. L1
d. C2


33q: All of the following operative methods are performed whenever necessary in Thoracic and lumbar spine injuries except
a. Harrington instrumentation - bilateral
b. Luque instrumentation
c. Hartshill rectangle fixation
d. Pedicle screw fixation
e. Hongkong operation


34q: SOMI brace is used for
a. Cervical spine injuries
b. Thoracic spine injuries
c. Lumbar spine injuries
d. all

*SOMI stands for Sternal Occipital Mandibular Immobilizer, shown below.


35q: ASH brace is used for
a. Dorsolumbar spine injury
b. Cervical spine injury
c. Both
d. None

*ASH stands for Anterior-superior hyperextension brace, shown below.

Friday, February 5, 2010

97 - Markers of Bone formation and Bone resorption

*MARKERS OF BONE FORMATION :
- Serum Bone specific Alkaline phosphatase
- Serum Osteocalcin
- Serum propeptide or type I procollagen

*MARKERS OF BONE RESORPTION :
- Urine and Serum N-telopeptide
- Urine and Serum C-telopeptide
- Urine total free deoxypyridinoline
- Urine Hydroxyproline
- Serum tartarate resistant Acid phosphatase
- Serum Bone Sialoprotein
- Urine hydroxylysine glycosides

96 - Pulsating Tumors of the Bone

*Primary tumors that may present as pulsating lesions :
- Telengiectatic Osteogenic sarcoma
- Angioendothelioma/Angiosarcoma of bone
- Aneurysmal bone cyst
- Giant cell tumor (rarely)

*Secondaries/Metastases that may present as pulsating lesions :
- Metastasis from Renal cell carcinoma
- Metastasis from Thyroid carcinoma

95 - Common sites for Common Bone tumors

*EPIPHYSEAL TUMORS :
- Chondroblastoma
- Osteoclastoma (Giant cell)

*METAPHYSEAL TUMORS :
- Osteochondroma
- Osteoblastoma
- Simple bone cyst
- Aneurysmal bone cyst
- Osteosarcoma
- Chondromyxoid fibroma
- Fibrous cortical defect
- Non ossifying fibroma
- Enchondroma

*DIAPHYSEAL TUMORS :
- Ewing's sarcoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Eosinophilic granuloma (Langerhans cell histiocytosis)
- Osteoid osteoma
- Adamantinoma
- Enchondroma

94 - Causes of Osteolytic and Osteoblastic metastases

*Causes of Osteolytic metastasis :
- Kidney (expansile) and Thyroid : Expansile lytic osseous metastasis are characteristic of Renal cell carcinoma (kidney) and Thyroid .
- Lung
- Gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
- Breast (occasionally)
- Less commonly melanoma, carcinoma of bronchus and pheochromocytoma may also present with Expansile lytic lesions.

*Causes of Osteoblastic metastasis :
- Prostate
- Breast (may be mixed)
- Seminoma
- Carcinoid 
- Neurogenic tumors
- Uterus 
- Ovary 

93 - Basic Hip fractures

92 - Causes of Pseudoarthrosis

*Pseudoarthrosis is a false joint, that may develop after a fracture that has not united properly.

*It may be idiopathic.

*Causes of Pseudoarthrosis (in decreasing order of frequency are) :
1. Non union of a fracture - including pathological fracture.
2. Congenital - in the middle to lower third of the tibia with or without fibula. 50% present in the first year. Later there may be cupping of the proximal bone and pointing of the distal bone end.
3. Neurofibromatosis - seen in 50% of patients with pseudoarthrosis.
4. Osteogenesis imperfecta
5. Cleidocranial dysplasia - congenitally in the femur
6. Fibrous dysplasia
7. Ankylosing spondylitis - in the fused bamboo spine .

91 - Differences between Gout and Pseudogout

GOUT
PSEUDOGOUT
1.       Smaller joints
1.       Large joints
2.       Intense pain
2.       Moderate pain
3.       Joint inflamed
3.       Joint swollen
4.       Hyperuricemia
4.       Chondrocalcinosis
5.       Uric acid crystals
5.       Calcium pyrophosphate crystals
6.       Rod shaped crystals
6.       Rectangular shaped crystals
7.       Negatively bisfringent
7.       Positive bisfringence

Thursday, February 4, 2010

90 - Pins, screws and Prosthesis used in Fracture neck of Femur

*When a child presents with fracture neck of femur which is less than 3 weeks old, then the fracture is managed by CLOSED REDUCTION and INTERNAL FIXATION with Austin Moore pins and Knowle's pins.

*Austin Moore pin and Knowle's pin shown in the picture above.


*X-ray of a case of Fracture neck of femur, fitted with Austin Moore pins.


*Illustration showing the Knowle's pins used in the management of fracture neck of femur.


*X-ray of a case of fracture neck of femur managed by knowle's pins.



*When an adult whose age is less than 60 years presents with a fracture neck of femur, less than 3 weeks old, then the fracture is managed by Closed/open reduction and internal fixation by MULTIPLE CANNULATED CANCELLOUS SCREWS (shown in the picture above)


*When an adult whose age is more than 60 years presents with fracture of neck of femur, less than 3 weeks old, then the next step is to assess his hip and take a decision. If there is preexisting arthritis in the patient, then Total Hip Replacement is the treatment of choice.
- But if the hip is otherwise normal, then Hemireplacement arthroplasty is done. A.M.Prosthesis is one of several prostheses used in Hemireplacement arthroplasty. 

89 - Bumper fracture

*A bumper fracture is a compression fracture of the lateral tibial condyle due to a forceful valgus stress applied to the knee.

*The name is derived from the fact that a car bumper hitting the lateral aspect of the knee when the leg is firmly planted on the ground is one of the most common causes of this type of injury.

*If the medial collateral ligament remains intact, the lateral femoral condyle is forced down on the lateral tibial condyle and this causes a compression fracture.

*Older patients with osteoporosis are the most prone to this type of injury. There may be a hemarthrosis, and the lateral tibial plateau will be tender.

*Compression fracture of the lateral tibial plateua, resulting in separation at the margin of the plateau or depression of the central portion of the artucular surface.

*A valgus injury of the knee may result in a fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. At times these fractures are difficult to identify and are obvious only on oblique radiographs.

*The fractures consist of either a vertical split through or a depression of a portion of the joint surface. There may be an associated fracture of the neck of the fibula.

*When the fracture involves the lateral margin of the plateau or is associated with a fracture of the fibula, an accompanying disruption of the medial collateral ligament is likely.

*Treatment: Stabilisation and fixation where required.






Wednesday, February 3, 2010

88 - Pathophysiology of Paget's disease (Osteitis deformans)

BASIC PHYSIOLOGY OF NORMAL BONE RESORPTION AND FORMATION :


*Osteoclast maturation is regulated by various factors, such as Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) Ligand (RANKL). RANKL can exist as a soluble form and binds to the osteoclast receptor RANK.
*This binding activates osteoclast differentiation via the translocation of NF-kappaB into the nucleus by intermediates such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor-Associated Factor 6 (TRAF6).
*RANKL signals can be blocked by a soluble RANKL-binding decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), produced by osteoblasts.
*Vacuolar H+-ATPase pump (H+), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), Cathepsin K and Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAcP) are involved in osteoclast activity.

*This picture above helps us in understanding the pathophysiology behind PAGET'S disease :

*PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PAGET'S DISEASE:

- The principal abnormality in Paget disease is the increased number and activity of osteoclasts. 
- Pagetic osteoclasts are large, increased 10- to 100-fold in number, and have a greater number of nuclei (as many as 100 compared to 3–5 nuclei in the normal osteoclast). 
- The overactive osteoclasts may create a sevenfold increase in resorptive surfaces and an erosion rate of 9 microg/d (normal is 1 microg/d).

- Several causes for the increased number and activity of pagetic osteoclasts have been identified: 
(1) Osteoclastic precursors are hypersensitive to 1,25(OH)2D3; 
(2) Osteoclasts are hyperresponsive to RANK ligand (RANKL), the osteoclast stimulatory factor that mediates the effects of most osteotropic factors on osteoclast formation; 
(3) Marrow stromal cells from pagetic lesions have increased RANKL expression; 
(4) Osteoclast precursor recruitment is increased by interleukin (IL) 6, which is increased in the blood of patients with active Paget disease and is overexpressed in pagetic osteoclasts; 
(5) Expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos, which increases osteoclastic activity, is increased; and 
(6) The antiapoptotic oncogene Bcl-2 in pagetic bone is overexpressed. Numerous osteoblasts are recruited to active resorption sites and produce large amounts of new bone matrix. As a result, bone turnover is high and bone mass is normal or increased, not reduced.


- The characteristic feature of Paget disease is increased bone resorption accompanied by accelerated bone formation. 
- An initial osteolytic phase involves prominent bone resorption and marked hypervascularization. 
- Radiographically, this manifests as an advancing lytic wedge, or "blade of grass" lesion. 
- The second phase is a period of very active bone formation and resorption that replaces normal lamellar bone with haphazard (woven) bone. 
- The mosaic pattern of woven bone is structurally inferior and can bow and fracture more readily. 
- At the same time, fibrous connective tissue may replace normal bone marrow. 
- In the final sclerotic phase, bone resorption declines progressively and leads to a hard, dense, less vascular pagetic or mosaic bone, which represents the so-called burned-out phase of Paget disease. 
- All three phases may be present at the same time at different skeletal sites.

*Acutely marginated bone demineralization during lytic phase in skull - OSTEOPOROSIS CIRCUMSCRIPTA.
*Acutely marginated demineralization of long bones - BLADE OF GRASS SIGN and FLAME SHAPED MARGIN.
*Mixed lytic and sclerotic phase in spine - PICTURE FRAME VERTEBRAE
*Mixed lytic and sclerotic phase in skull - COTTON WOOL SKULL.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

87 - Haglund's deformity (Pump Bump)











*A Haglund deformity, or pump bump, is caused by chronic inflammation of the adventitious superficial pretendinous Achilles bursa that separates the Achilles tendon from the overlying skin.

*According to Jones, this bursa is present in about 50% of patients. This pretendinous bursitis usually is caused by chronic irritation from a shoe heel counter, and modification of shoe wear usually relieves symptoms. This deformity usually occurs in young women in their 20s or 30s. Surgery is infrequently required.

*The following technique is recommended if conservative measures fail :

1. Place the patient prone. After administration of general or local anesthesia, make a longitudinal lateral incision 1 cm lateral to the Achilles tendon, extending distally from 3 to 4 cm proximal to the superior tuberosity of the calcaneus to 2 to 3 cm distal to the superior tuberosity of the calcaneus.

2. Plantar flex the ankle joint and by sharp and blunt dissection, identify the Achilles tendon.

3. Place a right-angle retractor between the Achilles tendon and posterior and superior borders of the calcaneal tuberosity. With the foot plantar flexed, this usually affords enough exposure to remove the superior border of the calcaneal tuberosity without raising any of the Achilles tendon off the calcaneus. However, the Achilles tendon has such an extensive insertion into the posterior and plantar aspect of the calcaneal tuberosity that raising a 1- to 2-cm-long portion of the tendon may be necessary to resect the bone adequately.

4. Remove the superior aspect of the tuberosity with a microsagittal saw or an osteotome. Placement of several drill holes along the proposed osteotomy site makes this resection easier.

5. If an area of ossification remains, split the Achilles tendon in a coronal plane distally with the anterior third or half to free up enough to excise the calcified tendon.

6. Lavage the wound and close in layers.

7. Apply a well-padded, short leg, non–weight bearing cast with the ankle in approximately 20 degrees of plantar flexion.

AFTER TREATMENT:
*The cast and sutures are removed at 3 weeks. The sutures may be removed earlier if indicated, but the non–weight bearing cast remains on for 3 weeks. Then a removable weight bearing cast boot is applied, and active plantar flexion and dorsiflexion exercises are begun. It is important in the preoperative counseling to explain to a young woman with a pump bump that it might be 3 to 6 months before she can wear a stylish shoe and that there is no guarantee that she will ever be able to do so comfortably.

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