Problems With Medium-Sized Joints: Wrist Conditions.

Common wrist conditions include fractures and other injuries, osteoarthritis, radial epiphysitis, joint instability, de Quervain tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cyst, and ulnar neuropathy. The initial history and physical examination, with particular focus on the anatomic structures of the wrist, can narrow the differential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging study can be used to identify soft tissue masses and occult osseous processes, particularly with scaphoid fractures. Computed tomography scan is useful in cases of bony abnormalities, high clinical suspicion of occult fracture, and surgical planning. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography can help identify soft tissue injuries, synovitis, or edema. It also can assess for nerve pathology, such as increased median nerve surface area in carpal tunnel syndrome. Management of common wrist fractures, such as distal radius, carpal, and scaphoid fractures, includes nonsurgical and surgical options, immobilization, and referral for further management or surgical consultation. Other wrist conditions, including overuse conditions such as carpometacarpal osteoarthritis or radial epiphysitis, can be managed conservatively initially. Ganglion cysts can be managed with immobility and rest initially, or aspiration or surgical excision. Ulnar neuropathy is the result of local compression of the ulnar nerve at the level of the carpal bones. It typically is managed with activity modification and splinting.

Problems With Medium-Sized Joints: Elbow Conditions.

For patients with elbow pain, a comprehensive history and physical examination can identify the mechanism of injury and specific tests can help determine the underlying pathology. When imaging is indicated, x-ray typically is the initial modality. Indications for ultrasonography include the need for static, dynamic, and stress visualization of elbow cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and osseous structures. Magnetic resonance imaging study is preferred for assessment of chronic elbow pain because of its ability to detect bone marrow edema, tendinopathy, nerve entrapment, and joint effusion. In children, common elbow conditions and injuries include supracondylar fracture, posterior elbow dislocation, medial epicondyle apophysitis (Little Leaguers elbow), ulnar collateral ligament injury, and chronic lateral elbow pain. Primary and secondary bony ossification centers and the presence of growth plates affect management of these conditions in children. In adults, common conditions and injuries are radial head fractures, lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, and ulnar nerve compression. Radial head fractures are categorized according to the Modified Mason Classification. Patients with type III and IV fractures should be referred for surgical management. Lateral and medial epicondylitis are overuse injuries diagnosed based on signs and symptoms. Surgical management should be considered for patients who do not improve with conservative management.

Problems With Medium-Sized Joints: Ankle Conditions.

The ankle is the cause of many musculoskeletal injuries. Knowledge of ankle anatomy and physiology can provide an initial framework to help clinicians formulate a differential diagnosis. A thorough history should be obtained, with a focus on mechanism of injury and symptom duration to hone the differential diagnosis and physical examination. Specific diagnostic maneuvers allow for evaluation of individual structures and assessment of ankle stability. The Ottawa Ankle Rules can assess the need for x-rays and help rule out underlying fracture. Lateral and medial ankle sprains and Achilles tendinopathy are among the most common ankle conditions in the primary care setting. These sprains are managed with ankle protection with a splint, brace, or other device; the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) protocol; and a short course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Management of Achilles tendon conditions typically consists of the RICE protocol, activity reduction, physical therapy or clinician-directed exercises, NSAIDs, and, in severe cases, short-term immobilization. For patients with stable ankle fractures, various orthoses can be used for immobilization. Orthopedic consultation should be sought for patients with unstable ankle fractures.

Problems With Medium-Sized Joints: Neck Conditions.

The incidence of neck pain in US primary care settings ranges from 10% to 21% per year. A key component in evaluation of patients with neck pain is identification of red flag signs or symptoms that indicate the need for urgent evaluation for possible serious conditions. These include fever, unexplained weight loss, trauma, vision changes, new or severe headache, and altered mental status, among others. Patients with acute onset or worsening chronic neck pain without trauma or red flag signs or symptoms should be assessed initially with x-ray. Magnetic resonance imaging study is recommended for patients with progressive neurologic symptoms, neurologic compromise, suspected infection, or other red flag signs or symptoms. Common conditions and injuries associated with neck pain in the primary care setting include cervical strains and sprains, cervical spondylosis, cervical discogenic pain, cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, whiplash, cervical fracture, and postural pain. Most patients with neck pain without red flag signs or symptoms recover with conservative management, however, there is little evidence to support these treatments. Pharmacotherapy includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and muscle relaxants. Small benefits have been shown for combination exercise programs, mind-body programs, and acupuncture. Referral for surgical management is indicated for patients with progressive neurologic deficits.