General Orthopedics

Orthopedic conditions and injuries can affect various parts of the body, sometimes spanning multiple areas or being more generalized. This guide provides detailed information about common orthopedic conditions that are not specific to one particular body part. For each condition, we cover the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended treatment options, drawing on resources from the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Arthritis

Overview:
Arthritis is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. It can affect any joint in the body and is one of the leading causes of disability.

Types of Arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common form, caused by wear and tear on the joints over time.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints.
• Gout: Caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Associated with the skin condition psoriasis.
• Septic Arthritis: An infection in the joint.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after an injury to the joint.
• Lupus Arthritis: Part of the systemic autoimmune disease lupus.

Causes:
The causes vary depending on the type of arthritis. For example, osteoarthritis is primarily due to aging and joint wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Gout is related to diet and genetic factors that influence uric acid metabolism.

Symptoms:
Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may worsen with activity or in the morning.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, imaging studies (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound), and laboratory tests (such as blood tests for rheumatoid factor or uric acid levels).

Treatment:
Treatment options include lifestyle modifications (weight loss, exercise), medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical interventions (joint replacement or repair).

Bursitis

Overview:
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee.

Causes:
Bursitis is often caused by repetitive motion or prolonged pressure on the bursae, leading to irritation and inflammation. Other causes include injury, infection, and underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms:
Symptoms include localized pain and tenderness, swelling, and limited movement in the affected area. The pain is often worse with movement or pressure.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests (such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound). In some cases, fluid from the bursa may be analyzed to check for infection.

Treatment:
Treatment includes rest, ice application, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. In cases of infection, antibiotics are prescribed. Chronic bursitis may require surgical intervention to remove the inflamed bursa.

Fractures & Broken Bones

Overview:
Fractures are breaks in the bones, which can vary in severity and type. They are commonly caused by trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents.

Types of Fractures:

• Closed (Simple) Fracture: The bone is broken but the skin remains intact.
• Open (Compound) Fracture: The bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
• Greenstick Fracture: An incomplete fracture where the bone bends.
• Comminuted Fracture: The bone is shattered into several pieces.
• Stress Fracture: A small crack in the bone often caused by repetitive force or overuse.

Causes:
Fractures are typically caused by high-impact trauma, but they can also result from conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis.

Symptoms:
Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and inability to use the affected limb. In open fractures, the bone may be visible through the wound.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made through physical examination and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI). Sometimes, a bone scan may be used to detect stress fractures.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture and includes immobilization with casts or splints, pain management, and sometimes surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones (using metal rods, screws, or plates).

Polymyositis

Overview:
Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness, primarily affecting the muscles closest to the trunk (shoulders, neck, arms, and hips).

Causes:
The exact cause of polymyositis is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks muscle tissue.

Symptoms:
Symptoms include progressive muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, and muscle pain. The weakness often starts gradually and can worsen over time.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, blood tests (to check for muscle enzymes), electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle function, and muscle biopsy.

Treatment:
Treatment includes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressive drugs, physical therapy to improve muscle strength and function, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms.

Sprains & Strains

Overview:
Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the ligaments and muscles/tendons, respectively.

Causes:

• Sprains: Caused by overstretching or tearing of ligaments, often due to falls, twists, or impacts.
• Strains: Result from overstretching or tearing muscles or tendons, often due to overuse or sudden force.

Symptoms:

• Sprains: Pain, swelling, bruising, and limited joint movement.
• Strains: Pain, muscle spasm, swelling, and limited muscle movement.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is based on physical examination and patient history. Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) may be used to rule out fractures or other injuries.

Treatment:
Treatment includes rest, ice application, compression, elevation (RICE), NSAIDs, and physical therapy. Severe injuries may require immobilization or surgery.

Tendonitis

Overview:
Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons, often caused by repetitive motion or overuse, affecting areas like the heels, knees, shoulders, wrists, and elbows.

Causes:
Common causes include repetitive activities, sudden injury, poor posture, and aging, which can lead to degeneration of the tendons.

Symptoms:
Symptoms include pain and tenderness at the affected site, swelling, and restricted movement.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis involves a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests (ultrasound or MRI) to assess tendon damage.

Treatment:
Treatment includes rest, ice, NSAIDs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and in chronic cases, surgical intervention to repair damaged tendons.

Conclusion

Orthopedic conditions can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing symptoms and improving function. For detailed information and personalized care, consult with healthcare professionals specializing in orthopedics.

By referencing the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and the AAOS, we ensure that the information provided is comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date, supporting patients in understanding and managing their orthopedic conditions effectively.