Types of Bones
Long bones – femur Short bones – somewhat cubedshaped as in the phalanges Flat bones – broad surface for muscular attachment or protection of organs (skull, ribs, shoulder blades, & sternum. Irregular bones – wrist, vertebrae
Functions of Bones
Support & protect body tissues and organs Provides the skeletal framework of the body Provides movement through the attachment of muscles Storehouse for minerals CA++ 99% makeup of bones & PO4 90% & Po4 Production of blood cells) which takes place in the bone marrow
Diarthrodial/Synovial Joints
- Ball & socket i.e. shoulder & hip which permits movement in any direction - Hinge i.e. elbow movement along one plane & allows flexion & extension - Condylar – functions like a hinge joint but can rotate slightly
Synovial Joint Capsule
Fibrous connective tissue covers the ends of bone. Ligaments and tendons reinforce the joint capsule Bundles of rich, white fibrous tissue are supplied with nerves. Nerves are sensitive to rate and direction of motion, compression, tension, vibration and pain Blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels.
Skeletal Muscles
Primary Function
Provides voluntary movement Maintains posture Body Movement – contraction & relaxation
Skeletal Muscles
Points of Attachment
Point of Origin – attachment of muscle to a more stationary bone Point of insertions – attachment to a more movable bone
Head to Toe Assessment
Health History
Musculoskeletal disorders Nutritional status Pain History ADL’s, endurance, assistive devices Medications – prescription and OTC
Assessment Skills
Inspection – symmetry, body alignment, function, skin changes, swelling, deformity, contractures, gait, non-verbal indication of pain Palpation – Skin temperature, swelling, nodules, masses, Crepitus Joint Structure & ROM Muscle mass & strength (atrophy, flaccidly, spasticity, paralysis)
Connective Tissue Disorders
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis Lupus Erythematous Gout
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by inflammatory destructive changes in the joints
Systemic disease – Inflammatory changes can affect skin, heart, lungs, eyes, blood vessels & nerves
Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune theory – Normal antibodies become autoantibodies (RH Factors) and attack the tissue. Genetic Factor – 2-3 times >with family Hx Virus – Epstein-Barr Stressful events
Stages of Joint Deterioration
Stage 1: Initiation - Some changes in the synovial lining – no loss of functional capacity Stage 2: Immune Response – Joint swells & thickens. Functional capacity impaired Stage 3: Inflammatory: Progressive involvement of blood vessels. Limited ADL Stage 4: Destructive – Granulation tissue hardens (Pannus). Leads to ankylosis. Confined to bed or wheel chair
Assessment Data
Subjective:
- Stiffness especially in a.m. or after inactivity - Proximal joint pain in the fingers - Fatigue, weakness, 2-3 # weight loss, low grade fever
Assessment Data
Objective Manifestations
- Swollen, reddened, warm joints - Weak hand grasp - Deformities (late stages)
Swan Neck Ulnar Drift Boutonnière (buttonhole) Rheumatoid Nodules Vasculitis, Sjogren’s Syndrome
Diagnostic Tests
Blood Tests:
Rheumatoid Factor Antinuclear Antibody Titer Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate CBC; WBC
Diagnostic Tests
Radiographic: determines cartilage erosion, joint space narrowing, bone cysts
- Arthrography- x-ray with contrast medium - Arthroscopy – endoscopic exam of joint - Arthrocentesis – needle aspiration of synovial fluid
Nursing Care Arthroscopy Post-procedure
Assess Neurovascular status (Sx. of thrombophlebitis) Monitor for bleeding or leakage at site Assess for pain, edema, redness Ice for swelling, mild analgesic pain
Pain Management
Prescribed Drug Therapy on timely basis Rest periods Warm shower, hot packs Avoid sudden, jarring of joint Warn clients about “quacks” (miracle cures)
Impaired Physical Mobility
Exercise joint, but not beyond pain Positioning & body alignment Support joints for optimal function Assistive Devices – proper fit & instruction
Self-care Deficit
Routine that includes pacing activities Encourage sleep routine PT for conditioning Occupational Therapy – Assistive devices
Drug Therapy
Salicylates (ASA) NSAID’s (Advil, Indocin, Toradol, naprosyn) Side effects/Precautions Tinnitus, GI distress, prolonged bleeding. Give with food, milk. Avoid anti-coagulants
Drug Therapy
Side effects/Precautions GI (do not crush enteric coated); give after meals or with food Dizziness, Diarrhea, headache, rash
Drug Therapy
Glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone.)
Side Effects/Precautions Depression, euphoria, anorexia, nausea, weight gain, bruising. Taper dosage when discontinuing.
Drug Therapy
Slow-acting Antirmalirial drugs (plaquenil) Side Effects/Precautions Retinal edema, GI disturbance Toxic – Gold Salts (solganol, myochrysine)
Side Effects/Precautions Dizziness, flushing, metallic taste, skin rash; assess CBC & UA prior to administration
Drug Therapy
Cytoxic Drugs (Methotrexate, Imuran, Cytoxan) Side Effects/Precautions Pneumocystis Carni pneumonia, mouth sores, bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity
Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis)
Non-inflammatory disease of the weight bearing joints (hips, knees, spine, hands) Incidence: > in post-menopausal women Risk Factors: age, obesity, overuse of joints, trauma (fractures, sports injuries)
Osteoarthritis
Pathophysiology – Articular cartilage becomes yellow & opaque, joint space narrows, bone spurs (osteophyte), & cysts Symptoms – Joint pain / diminishes on rest ; crepitus (grating sensation); Joint enlargement, Herberden’s nodes, Bouchard’s nodules, decrease ROM, joint effusion
Osteoarthritis
Diagnostic Tests: X-rays of joints indicates narrowing of joint spaces; CT Scan & MRI of spine; Bone Scan
Differential features of RA & DJD OVERHEAD Table 24-1
Osteoarthritis
Medical Management Drug therapy for pain (NSAID’s), muscle relaxants(Flexeril), injection of cortisone Rest – immobilization with splint, brace, sleep (>8 hours/night) Position of joints to maintain alignment & avoid contractures Heat – hot packs, PT diathermy Exercise – walking, water aerobics
Osteoarthritis
Surgical Management Hemiarthroplasty: one part of a joint is replaced, i.e. head of femur Total Hip replacement: Head of femur & the acetabulum replaced Total Knee replacement: both articular surfaces of the knee replaced Interphalangeal joint replacement
Total Hip Replacement
Preoperative Care – Skin preparation, IV antibiotics, education re nature of prosthesis, mobility restrictions, exercises Types of Prosthesis - Cemented – > 10 year life - Uncemented – bone growth occurs into the metallic surfaces within 6-12 weeks
THR - Postoperative
Pain control Wound & drain assessment Neurovascular Assessment Activity – bed rest with abduction splint or pillow, OOB with PT (NO hip flexion > 90°) weight bearing dependent on type of prosthesis Use of walker – crutches - cane
THR - Potential Complication
Thromboembolism
Subluxation - Hip Dislocation Neurovascular Compromise Hemorrhage
THR – Hip Precautions
Avoid hip flexion > 90° Avoid low, soft chairs Avoid excessive trunk flexion in reaching Maintain hip adduction No leg crossing at knee Use raised toilet seat
Total Knee Replacement
Preoperative Care – similar to THR Postoperative Care
Pain control Wound & drain assessment Neurovascular Assessment Elevate leg on Pillow for comfort Head of bed elevated for comfort Continuous Passive Motion Machine
TKR - Potential Complications
DVT & pulmonary emboli
Prosthetic Dislocation Infection
Lupus Erythematous
Definition: Autoimmune disease involving diffuse inflammatory changes in vascular connective tissue Pathophysiology: Antigen-antibody interactions results in deposits of immune complexes in tissues & cells that damage the organs and or blood vessels
Discoid Lupus
Cutaneous manifestations – butterfly rash on face Risk Factors: Sun exposure intensifies
Treatment: Cortisone creams, sun screens > 30 SPF, avoid sun at peak hours
Systemic Lupus
Organs affected: Heart, lungs, kidney, Brain, blood vessels, & joints Systemic symptoms: Fatigue, myalgia, joint pain, low grade fever, anorexia System specific symptoms: Tachycardia, chest pain, poteinuria, hip & knee necrosis, psychosis, seizures
Laboratory Tests of SLE
Skin biopsy & scrapings of skin cells
Immune tests – RF, ANA, Sed Rate CBC (pancytopenia), Sed Rate, Cardiac & Liver Enzymes
Pharmacological Management Lupus
NSAID’S
Cortico-steroids Immunosuppresive Agents
Nursing Care - Lupus
Pain Management Encourage rest periods Decrease protein in diet (kidney involvement) and sodium restriction (fluid retention) Referral – Local & National Lupus Foundation
Potential Complications Lupus Erythematous
Vasculitis Cardiopulmonary – pericarditis, pleural effusion CNS – psychosis, seizures, peripheral neuropathies Avascular Necrosis
Gout
Definition: Systemic disease involving pain & inflammation of joints due to urate crystal deposits
Pathophysiology: Inbalance of purine metabolism & kidney function
Incidence: Middle aged men
Types of Gout
Primary: Inherited defect in purine metabolism Secondary: Disease i.e renal, diuretic therapy & chemotherapeutic agents
Clinical Manifestations of Gout
Asymptomatic phase – Elevated Uric Acid
Acute Phase – Sustained elevated Uric Acid causing extremely painful, swollen, and reddened joint Chronic Phase – Urate crystal deposits appear in cartilage, synovial membranes, tendons, & soft tissues
Drug Therapy - Gout
Acute Phase – Colchicine, NSAID’S
Chronic Phase – Allopurinol (Benemid); Colbenemid Avoid aspirin & diuretics
Diet Therapy - Gout
Low purine (avoid organ meats, shellfish, oily fish with bones Avoid Alcohol Increase fluid intake to 3,000 cc/day High alkaline ash foods – citrus fruits and juices, certain dairy products
Other Connective Tissue Disorders
Polymyalgia Rheumatica Anklosing Spongylitis (Marie-Strümpell Disease) Sjögren’s syndrome Lyme’s Disease Fibromyalgia
Osteoporosis
Types Primary - Bone loss related to loss of estrogen in menopausal women and low testosterone levels in men
Secondary – Bone loss related to disease process (hyperthyroidism, renal failure, GI malabsorption problems
Pathophysiology Bone Remodeling
Resorption – Worn out bone cells are removed by bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts
Formation – New bone is laid down by bone-forming cells called osteoclasts
Incidence/Risk Factors Osteoporosis
Age
Race
Gender
Life Style
Diet
Heredity
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Exercise – weight bearing types
Diet modifications Calcium intake – OTC i.e. Tums, Oscal, Calcium carbonate, Dietary supplement
Clinical Manifestations Osteoporosis
Height loss
Vertebral deformities
Restricted movement
Back pain Fractures
Diagnostic Tests Osteoporosis
Laboratory – serum calcium, Vitamin D, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase Radiological – X-ray, CT Scan, MRI - Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
Medical Management Osteoporosis
Drug Therapy
Estrogen replacement – Premarin Calcium supplements Bone resorption inhibitor – Fosamax Vitamin D
Nursing Management Osteoporosis
High Risk for Injury – Prevention of falls and fractures - safe environment (non-skid slippers, shoes, clean spills, avoid scatter rugs, lighting, access to items for ADL, hand rails, Avoiding lifting heavy objects, use of walker, cane.)
Nursing Management Osteoporosis
Impaired Physical Mobility Increase mobility to level of independence in ADL Interventions - Physical therapy program (strengthening & weight bearing exercises) - Occupational Therapy (Adaptive Devices)
Nursing Management Osteoporosis
Pain Management - Reduce & alleviate pain Interventions - Drug Therapy - opiod, non-opiod Analgesics, muscle relaxants, Antiinflammatory agents - Use of heat - Orthotic devices – braces, splints
Other Metabolic & Degenerative Bone Disorders
Osteomalcia
Paget’s Disease Herniated Nucleus Pulposus - Laminectomy - Spinal Fusions
Fractures
Definition: Interruption in normal bone continuity, which is accompanied by soft tissue injury Classification: - Simple or closed - Open or compound
Fracture Patterns
Oblique – Line of Fx. Angled Transverse – Across the bone Longitudinal – Length of bone Spiral – Twisting or rotation of bone Comminuted – broken in > 2 places Impacted – Fragments driven into each other Displaced or Avulsed – torn away by a ligament or tendon
Classification by Anatomical Location
Humerus Tibia, Fibula Pelvis Hip Skull Mandible Ribs Vertebrae
Stages of Bone Healing
Hematoma Granulation Callus Formation Osteoblastic Proliferation Bone Remodeling Complete Healing
Bone Healing Problems
Delayed Union - > 6 months to a year
Nonunion - < ½ of bone fragments joined together Malunion – Bone healed in state of deformity
Assessment of Fractures
Subjective Data – History, complaints of pain, loss of sensation, movement Objective Data – Warmth, edema, ecchymosis, neurovascular impairment, splinting, anxiety, fear
Emergency Care
Inspect area Control bleeding Immobilize/splint Prevent shock Transport safely to ER
Nursing Diagnoses
Acute Pain Risk for Neurovascular Dysfunction Risk for Infection Altered Mobility Activity Intolerance
Complications of Fractures
Shock Neurovascular Compromise DVT & Pulmonary Emboli Aseptic Necrosis Acute Compartment Syndrome Fat Embolism Syndrome Osteomyelitis
Shock
Etiology: Hemorrhage into damaged tissues, especially thorax, pelvis, & extremities
Treatment: Control bleeding and restore blood volume
Neurovascular Compromise
Etiology: Damage to nerves from fragments of bone, pressure from casts, splints, & traction
Treatment: 6 P’s – Pain, Pulslessness, Paresthesia, Pallor, Paralysis, Poikothermia
Fat Embolism Syndrome
Etiology: Release of particles of fat into the blood stream from the yellow marrow at site of injury
Risk Factors: Fx. of long bones, multiple fx., high serum glucose or cholesterol level
DVT & Pulmonary Emboli
Etiology: Immobility, trauma, surgery
Risk Factors: Incidence in fractures of the lower extremities; Smoking, obesity, Heart Disease
Treatment: Anticoagulants
Avascular Necrosis
Etiology: Loss of blood supply to bone
Risk Factors: Hip fractures or any fracture where this bone displacement Treatment: Surgical joint replacement
Compartment Syndrome
Etiology: Massive compromise in circulation from external (Tight, bulky dressings, casts) & internal (blood & fluid) Treatment: Immediately loosen any tight dressings & MD can bivalve cast; Surgery – Decompression fasciotomy for edema and bleeding
Osteomyelitis
Acute – infection in another part of the body invades bone tissue or occurs from penetrating trauma
Chronic – Infection persists especially in a patient with compromised circulation
Medical Management of Fractures
Closed Reduction & immobilization – Manual traction to align the bone
External Fixation – Percutaneous placement of pins implanted into bone - Kronner 4-Barr Compression Frame - Hex-Fix External device for tibial fractures - Halo Traction – Cervical spinal fractures
Nursing Care – External Fixation
Teach patient patient to grasp frame when moving, rather than limb Frequent observation & neurovascular assessments Pin Care – Note symptoms of infection Assess for loosening or shifting of devices
Casts
Purpose: Immobilze, correct deformity, allow early mobility, & provide support & protection
Types: Plaster of Paris & Fiberglass
Plaster Cast Care
Instruct that cast will feel warm Handle cast with palms of hands Turn client q 1-2 hours for drying Elevate on pillow î than heart Pedal rough edges with moleskin Inspect q 4-8 hours – drainage, cracking, odor, alignment & fit
Cast Complications
Circulatory impairment Peripheral nerve damage Impaired skin integrity Pneumonia, DVT, Constipation Compartment Syndrome Cast Syndrome – Body cast Fracture blisters
Traction
Definition: Pulling force that is applied to part of an extremity while a counter traction pulls in the opposite direction
Purpose: Reduce Fracture, immobilize, decrease pain & muscle spasm, correct deformities, stretch tight muscles
Types of Traction
Continuous or Running – Buck’s, Russell
Circumferential – Pelvic
Cervical
Suspension or Balanced – Thomas Ring Skeletal – Steinmann pins, Kirschner wires, Crutchfield tongs
Nursing Assessment
Equipment – weights, pulley’s, ropes, Balkan frame Mobility Skin integrity Neurovascular Gastrointestinal Urinary
Fractured Hip
Incidence: Prevalent women > 65; 200,000 annually; by age 80 1 in 5 Risk Factors: Falls, osteoporosis, age related changes in balance
Anatomy of Hip
Head of femur
Acetabulum
Femoral neck
Greater trochanter Lesser or sub-trochanter
Types of Hip Fractures
Femoral Neck – displaced, impacted, comminuted Intertrochanteric (Intracapsular, Extracapsular) Subtrochanteric
Signs & Symptoms of Hip Fractures
Pain – hip or thigh
Adduction, external rotation Shortening of leg Inability to move or bear weight
Surgical Intervention
Total Hip Arthroplasty – - Cemented allows full weight bearing - Uncemented – Full weight bearing not permitted for 6-8 weeks
ORIF – Intramedullay rods, plates, compression screws; allows early ambulation
Post-operative Care - ORIF
Bedrest 1st day; OOB with walker HOB î 35 - 40° Avoid hip flexion > 90° Trochanter roll for hip alignment Pillow splint when turning (per MD) Isometric exercises Pain control – narcotic analgesics
Complications ORIF
DVT, PE
Hemorrhage Infection Subluxation or dislocation
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Definition: compression of the medial nerve in the wrist
Etiology: Repetitive motions, wear & tear, Fracture of wrist Symptoms: Pain, paresthesia, difficulty in grasping
Diagnostic Tests CTS
Phalen’s – wrist flexed back to back results in paresthesia >60 seconds Tinel’s – Tapping over the median nerve pain, tingling, numbness or inflating a BP cuff will result in same SX. X-ray EMG
Interventions CTS
Non-invasive – wrist support, immobilization with splint, frequent breaks, cushion grippers on pencils & pens, Rest, Ice, Heat, Anti-inflammatory agents Invasive – Cortisone Injections, Surgery