UE (Bones & Joints)

Osteoarthritis

The wearing down of cartilage elements of joints

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune condition that attacks the joints

Thumb spica

Splint associated with DeQuervain’s syndrome & arthritis (to protect CMC)

Colle’s fracture

Distal radius/wrist fracture, carpals are “lumps of coal”

Distal radius fracture

• Most common, usually from FOOSH (fall on outstretched hand)

• AKA Colle’s fx

Carpal fx

Low blood supply, longer healing times, may require sx

Ulnar fx

Rarely occurs alone, typically non-surgical

Boxer’s fx

Metacarpal fx - typically the 4th and/or 5th metacarpals

2 important ligaments of the elbow

1. Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

2. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

Valgus

• Medial collateral ligament

• “Michael and Gus love guns”

Varus

• Lateral collateral ligament

• “Lucille has her hands in her lap like a lady”

Varus stresses

• More common, think reaching (LCL)

• Stabilized best with elbow flexion and pronation

• “Lucille gets stressed often”

Acute valgus stresses/instability

• More rare, typical for throwing athletes (MCL)

• Stabilized best with elbow flexion and supination

• “Michael is a fast pitcher”

Elbow AROM

• Use the position of max stability to begin AROM

• Lying supine, shoulder flexed 90 degrees, pronated forearm (think Egyptian elbows)

• Progress to more typical mvmts & positions but continue to avoid the ones that put stress on the affected area (most likely LCL)

• Eventually (6-8 wks) no mvmt precautions & grade in more force/strengthening

Mallet finger

PIP is fully extended, flexion deformity at the DIP

Boutonniere

Flexion at the PIP, hyperextension at the DIP, pressing a button

Swan neck

Hyperextension of the PIP, flexion of the DIP, resembles a swan