Joint Conditions and Infections Quiz

Study Notes

Common Joint Conditions and Infections: Key Points

Corticosteroids such as prednisone should be taken in the smallest dose for the shortest time possible to control symptoms, under a doctor's guidance
Osteonecrosis can lead to osteoarthritis, and physical therapy is recommended for pain, joint stiffness, and ambulation
Partial weight exercises like hydrotherapy and cycling are beneficial for avascular necrosis (AVN) patients
Osteochondritis is a painful type of osteochondrosis, while osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) involves the creation of a flap of cartilage that dissects away from its attachments
OCD is a joint condition where the bone underneath the cartilage dies due to lack of blood flow, commonly occurring in children and adolescents, particularly in the knee, elbows, and ankles
Symptoms of OCD vary based on the size and detachment of the cartilage fragment, and include pain, swelling, tenderness, joint effusion, and decreased range of motion
The causes of OCD are unknown, but repetitive trauma and genetic factors may contribute, with children and adolescents highly active in sports being at higher risk
Complications of OCD can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the affected joint, and surgery may be necessary if the fragment becomes loose and causes persistent pain
To prevent OCD in adolescents participating in organized sports, education on joint overuse risks, proper mechanics and techniques, protective gear, and strength and stability training exercises are recommended
Septic arthritis, or joint infection, presents with symptoms such as redness, heat, and pain in a single joint, fever, weakness, and headache, and can occur due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
Joint aspiration and culture are used for diagnosis, and treatment includes antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery to clean out the joint
Prosthetic joint infections can occur in knee and hip joints, with early, delayed, and late phases, and are caused by bacterial infections entering the joint through the bloodstream, direct penetration, or surrounding infections in the bone or tissue