Overview of Terms The term pseudogout, calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease are considered as synonyms. Though used synonymously these terms denote different meanings should be understood before we discuss the disease further. Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease is a disease due to deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the body. It can manifest […]
General Ortho
Osteomalacia Causes and Treatment
Osteomalacia is a metabolic bone disease where defective mineralization results in bone soften due to a large amount of unmineralized osteoid. Osteomalacia (mollities ossium) is characterized by softening of the bones because of an accumulation of osteoid tissue. Osteoid is the bone matrix which is mineralized to form bone. Like rickets, osteomalacia also affects the […]
Bone Mineralization Process
Bone mineralization is the process of laying down minerals on a matrix of the bone. Normal bone is composed of 50 to 70% mineral, 20 to 40% organic matrix, 5 to 10% water, and <3% lipids. Calcium and phosphorus are chief minerals found in the bone along with small amount of carbonate, magnesium. The mineral […]
Eponymous Fractures and Other Popular Fracture Names
Many fractures in orthopedics are known by their discoverers. These are called eponymous fractures. It is common practice to use these eponymous fracture. Eponyms are widespread throughout medicine. The use of eponymous fractures may not be scientific communication but it allow concise description injury pattern. The drawback of eponymous fractures usage is that both sides […]
Fiberglass Cast – Indications, Application and Care
A fiberglass cast is the plaster cast made from fiberglass material which is s a lighter, synthetic alternative plaster of Paris. Fiberglass is also called glass-reinforced plastic[GRP] or glass fiber reinforced plastic [GFRP] is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine fibers of glass. The fiberglass cast is also popularly […]
Types of Plaster Casts and Their Use
There are many types of plaster casts used in the treatment of fractures and other ailments. Here are the major types of casts. Types of Plaster Casts in Upper Extremity Long arm Cast long arm cast encases the arm from the hand to about lower two-thirds of the arm till a level below the armpit, […]
Stress Views of Xrays
Stress views are special x-ray views in which radiograph of the part examined is done after applying requisite stress. Stress views are important in the evaluation of ligamentous tears, joint stability, and fracture unions. For example, stress views in the hand are usually ordered if there is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of […]
Tegner Activity Level Scale
Tegner activity level scale is a scale that aims to provide a standardized method of grading work and sporting activities. It was developed to complement the Lysholm scale after it was observed that that limitations in function scores in Lysholm scale may be masked by a decrease in activity level. Tegner activity level scale is […]
Stress Fracture -Causes, Locations, Symptoms and Treatment
Stress fracture is a is caused by fatigue of the bone due to repeated stress on the bone over a period. In contrast to fractures occuring as a single event of force acting to cause breakage of the bone, stress fractures result from accumulated trauma. The bone over a period then fails and fracture results. […]
Purines and Foods Rich in Purines
Purines are natural substances that form part of the chemical structure of our genes and the genes of plants and animals. Though these are present in many foods, a relatively small number of foods contain concentrated amounts of them. By and large, these foods are also high-protein foods. Examples are meats like kidney, fish like […]