Common Orthopedic Conditions

What is the underlying pathology of Adhesive Capsulitis?

Dense adhesive fibrosis and scarring in the joint capsule, with chronic inflammation.

What age group, gender, and comorbidities are most commonly associated with Adhesive Capsulitis?

Females aged 40-65; strongly associated with Diabetes Mellitus and thyroid disease.

What motion restriction pattern characterizes Adhesive Capsulitis?

Capsular pattern loss of both active and passive range of motion.

What are the primary PT and medical interventions for Adhesive Capsulitis?

ROM increase via glenohumeral mobilizations; severe cases may require manipulation under anesthesia.

What is the mechanism and painful range associated with Impingement Syndrome?

Humeral head/rotator cuff impinge under acromion, causing painful arc between 60°-120°.

What conservative interventions are indicated for Impingement Syndrome?

RICE, NSAIDs, rotator cuff strengthening, scapular stabilization, and biomechanical correction.

What etiology and clinical signs characterize a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Degeneration from impaired blood supply/microtrauma; presents with night pain and limited abduction/rotation.

What are the post-operative return-to-activity timelines for a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Light activity at 6-12 weeks; avoid heavy resistance for 6-12 months post-massive repair.

What is Lateral Epicondylitis and how does it present?

Degenerative overuse of common extensor tendons; lateral epicondyle pain during gripping.

What is Medial Epicondylitis and how does it present?

Degenerative overuse of flexor/pronator tendons; medial epicondyle pain during gripping/pronation.

What mechanism, displacement, and deformity are associated with a Colles Fracture?

FOOSH; distal radius fragment displaces dorsally, creating a "dinner fork" deformity.

What mechanism, displacement, and deformity are associated with a Smith Fracture?

Fall on flexed wrist; distal radius fragment displaces palmar/anteriorly ("garden spade" deformity).

What complications are associated with Colles and Smith fractures?

CRPS, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, loss of ROM, malunion, or EPL tendon rupture.

What clinical signs and primary intervention define Achilles Tendinitis management?

Heel aching/stiffness; managed with RICE, heel lift, stretching, and eccentric strengthening.

What presentation and conservative interventions are used for Plantar Fasciitis?

Morning heel pain; treated with RICE, heel cup, massage, stretching, and arch taping.

What mechanism and primary presentation characterize an ACL Sprain?

Twisting injury with hyperextension/valgus stress; presents with knee buckling and popping.

What mechanism and clinical signs characterize an MCL Sprain?

Valgus force on fixed foot; presents with joint line swelling and instability.

What injury mechanism and diagnostic gold standard apply to a PCL Sprain?

Landing on/striking a flexed knee; MRI is the gold standard diagnosis.

What key exercise precaution MUST be observed during PCL Sprain rehabilitation?

Avoid open-chain hamstring exercises to prevent posterior translation of the tibia.

What mechanism and clinical presentation identify a Meniscus Tear?

Weight-bearing rotation on flexed knee; presents with joint line pain, popping, and clicking.

What demographics and biomechanical factors are linked to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)?

Females/adolescents; associated with weak quads, tight LEs, or increased tibial torsion.

What physical therapy interventions are indicated for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)?

Modalities, medial patellar glides, patellar taping, and quadriceps/VMO strengthening.

What underlying pathology and key demographics distinguish Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Articular cartilage degeneration in weight-bearing joints; common in individuals ≥65 or with high weight.

What hand joint deformities are uniquely characteristic of Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Heberden nodes (DIP joints) and Bouchard nodes (PIP joints).

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and what age group/gender is most affected?

Systemic autoimmune disease causing synovial inflammation; most common in females aged 30-60.

What clinical joint signs and deformities distinguish Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Symmetrical joint involvement, morning stiffness, and Swan Neck or Boutonniere deformities.

How is Osteoporosis defined on a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) T-score scale?

Normal: ≥ -1.0; Osteopenia: -1.0 to -2.4; Osteoporosis: ≤ -2.5.

What exercise precautions MUST be observed for a patient with Osteoporosis?

Avoid trunk flexion, trunk rotation, and high-impact activities to prevent compression fractures.

What clinical signs and special tests are used to diagnose Congenital Hip Dysplasia?

Asymmetrical hip abduction tightness; diagnosed via Ortolani/Barlow tests or ultrasound.

What management strategies are used for Congenital Hip Dysplasia?

Pavlik harness, splinting, traction, bracing, or reduction with a hip spica cast.

What spatial positioning defines Congenital Torticollis (Wryneck)?

SCM contracture causing ipsilateral cervical lateral flexion and contralateral cervical rotation.

What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and what is its most common subgroup?

Autoimmune joint disease in children; asymmetric oligoarticular JIA is most common.

What is the underlying pathology of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease?

Avascular necrosis and degeneration of the femoral head.

What age group and gender ratio are most commonly affected by Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease?

Ages 3-13 years; males are affected more than females.

What functional gait and motion limitations present in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease?

Antalgic gait, positive Trendelenburg, and limited hip abduction, internal rotation, and extension.

What hip contractures are commonly seen in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease?

Hip flexion and adduction contractures.

What are the primary physical therapy and conservative interventions for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease?

Maintain femoral head positioning, stretching, splinting, crutch training, and traction.

What is Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?

Displacement of the femoral head from its normal alignment at the growth plate.

What patient demographic is most commonly affected by Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?

Young adolescents, especially during growth spurts.

Where is pain typically localized in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?

Groin, medial thigh, or knee.

What lower extremity posture and movement restrictions present in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?

Leg held in external rotation; limited hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation.

What medical and surgical management is required for Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?

Surgical growth plate stabilization, osteotomies, bedrest, casting, and traction.

What is the underlying cause of Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Traction apophysitis from repetitive stress on the tibial tuberosity apophysis.

What physical sign or deformity can result from Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Small avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity and localized swelling.

What activities should be temporarily eliminated during the acute phase of Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Activities that strain the patellar tendon, such as squatting, running, and jumping.

What type of disorder is Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and what causes it?

Autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder affecting collagen formation during bone development.

What key clinical features present in children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)?

Pathological fractures, osteoporosis, hypermobile joints, bowing of long bones, and scoliosis.

What are the main physical therapy handling considerations for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)?

Gentle handling, active ROM, symmetrical strengthening, and orthotic/wheelchair prescription.

What foot and ankle deformities comprise Talipes Equinovarus (Clubfoot)?

Forefoot adduction, rearfoot varus, and ankle plantarflexion.

What is the primary cause of Talipes Equinovarus (Clubfoot)?

In utero positioning.

What conservative medical interventions are used to correct Talipes Equinovarus (Clubfoot)?

Serial casting and splinting to restore proper anatomical alignment.