Hand and Finger Pathologies Notes

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints.
• Key Features:
  • Healthy Joint: Shows normal cartilage and bone structure.
  • Inflammation: Swelling and inflammation of the synovial membrane.
  • Bone Erosion: Characterized by bone erosion and a reduction in joint space as cartilage wears away.

Osteoarthritis

• A degenerative joint disease resulting from wear and tear on joints.
• Key Features:
  • Cartilage Breakdown: Initial breakdown of cartilage.
  • Bone Erosion: Loss of cartilage can lead to bone spurs and changes in bone structure.
  • Joint Space Narrowing: Reduced space in the joint clearly evident.

Boxer's Fracture

• A common fracture that occurs at the end of the 5th metacarpal due to impact.
• Characteristics:
  • Occurs at the neck of the metacarpal.
  • Results in angulation towards the palm creating a dorsal bump.

Crush Fracture

• A fracture resulting from a compressive force.

Traumatic Amputation

• Complete or partial loss of a limb due to injury.

Dislocation

• A joint injury where the ends of bones are forced from their normal positions.

Postoperative Considerations (Surgical Materials)

• Various sizes of surgical hardware and their applications:
  • Mini L Plate for 2mm Screws: Effective for small fractures.
  • DCP Plates (Dynamic Compression Plates): Available in various sizes (e.g., 3.5mm, 16mm)
  • Reconstruction Plate for 2.7mm Screws: Used in reconstruction surgeries.
  • Salter-Harris Fractures: Often classified into five types based on severity and involvement of growth plates:
  • Type I: Involves only the growth plate.
  • Type II: Involves growth plate and metaphysis.
  • Type III: Involves growth plate and epiphysis.
  • Type IV: Involves metaphysis, growth plate, and epiphysis.
  • Type V: Compressed growth plate causing potential growth disturbances.