Pathologies

• What is lumbar spondylosis?

  A degenerative condition affecting the lower part of the spine due to age-related changes.
• What develops along the edges of the vertebrae in lumbar spondylosis?

  Osteophytes
• What happens to intervertebral discs in lumbar spondylosis?

  They lose hydration and elasticity, leading to thinning and reduced cushioning.
• How do facet joints change in lumbar spondylosis?

  They begin to wear and tear, affecting the stability of the spine.
• What adaptation occurs in ligaments due to lumbar spondylosis?

  They thicken, increasing stiffness and potentially leading to nerve compression.
• What is a primary symptom of lumbar spondylosis?

  Low back pain that often worsens during activities.
• When does stiffness commonly occur in lumbar spondylosis?

  Particularly in the morning or after prolonged inactivity.
• What is radiculopathy in the context of lumbar spondylosis?

  Shooting pains, numbness, or a tingling sensation down one or both legs.
• How do postural changes manifest in lumbar spondylosis?

  Altered gait or stance to help ease stiffness and pain.
• What is the significant prevalence age range for lumbar spondylosis?

  Adults aged between 40-50.
• Which types of jobs increase the likelihood of developing lumbar spondylosis?

  Jobs that include heavy lifting and repetitive motions, as well as office work.
• What are the phases of lumbar spondylosis and their characteristics?

  • Phase 1: Dysfunction Phase
  • Biochemical changes to intervertebral discs and facet joints
  • Minor instability may develop
  • Intermittent low back pain
  • Early signs of stiffness
  • Localized tenderness
  • Symptoms may ease with rest

  
  

  • Phase 2: Instability Phase
  • Weakening of supporting ligaments
  • Increased movement leading to instability
  • Chronic low back pain
  • Sensations of back giving way
  • Pain refers to buttocks or thighs

  
  

  • Phase 3: Clinical Features
  • Advanced degeneration of vertebral discs
  • Osteophytes formation
  • Thickening of ligamentum flavum
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Persistent low back pain
  • Neurological conditions may develop
  • Altered posture
• What biochemical changes occur in the dysfunction phase of lumbar spondylosis?

  There are changes leading to a loss of hydration and elasticity in intervertebral discs and facet joints.
• What type of instability may develop in the dysfunction phase?

  Minor instability may develop in affected vertebrae.
• What are early signs of stiffness in the dysfunction phase?

  Early signs of stiffness are especially noted in the morning or after rest.
• What symptom may be present in the dysfunction phase of lumbar spondylosis?

  Localized tenderness.
• How do symptoms behave with rest in the dysfunction phase?

  Symptoms may ease with rest.
• What are the characteristics of the instability phase of lumbar spondylosis?

  • Weakening of supporting ligaments and annulus fibrosus
  • Increased movement in the affected segment
  • Chronic low back pain
  • Sensations of the back giving way during movement
  • Pain may refer to buttocks or thighs
• What happens to the supporting ligaments in the instability phase?

  They weaken, leading to increased movement and instability.
• What is a symptom of increased movement in the instability phase?

  Chronic low back pain.
• What sensation may patients experience in the instability phase?

  Sensations of the back giving way when moving.
• Where may pain refer to in the instability phase?

  Pain may refer to the buttocks or thighs.
• What are the clinical features of advanced lumbar spondylosis?

  • Advanced degeneration of vertebral discs
  • Formation of osteophytes
  • Thickening of ligamentum flavum
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Persistent low back pain
  • Neurological conditions may develop
  • Altered posture
• What happens to vertebral discs in the clinical features phase?

  Degeneration of vertebral discs is advanced, leading to decreased range of motion.
• What begins to form in the clinical features phase of lumbar spondylosis?

  Osteophytes start to form.
• What contributes to spinal stenosis in the clinical features phase?

  Thickening of the ligamentum flavum and calcification.
• How does disc height change in the clinical features phase?

  Disc height decreases, which reduces flexibility.
• What is the nature of low back pain in the clinical features phase?

  Low back pain is persistent.
• What are the symptoms related to range of motion in the clinical features phase?

  Stiffness and reduced range of motion are present.
• What neurological conditions may develop in the clinical features phase?

  Conditions due to nerve root compression or spinal stenosis, such as sciatica.
• How does posture change in the clinical features phase?

  Posture becomes altered.
• What is hip osteoarthritis?

  A chronic degenerative joint disease affecting the cartilage around the ball and socket structure.
• What happens when cartilage wears down in hip osteoarthritis?

  Lack of cartilage leads to bone-on-bone contact, causing pain and stiffness.
• What is a common consequence of hip osteoarthritis?

  Inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
• What develops in the hip joint due to osteoarthritis?

  Development of osteophytes.
• How does hip osteoarthritis affect joint shape and function over time?

  It causes changes to the joint shape and function over time.
• What are the common symptoms and aetiology of hip osteoarthritis?

  • Mild/intermittent pain in the groin, thigh, buttock, sometimes radiating to the knee
  • Triggered by prolonged standing, walking, weight-bearing activities, climbing stairs, or sitting for prolonged periods
  • Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after extended periods of sitting
  • Difficulties in activities like putting on socks and shoes, crossing legs
  • Crepitus (audible or palpable grinding, popping, and cracking sounds when moving)
  • Weakness in surrounding muscles (glutes)
  • Prevalence: 18.70 people per 100,000, most common in adults over 50
  • Higher risk in obese populations and those with previous joint trauma or developmental abnormalities
• What is the medial collateral ligament (MCL)?

  A ligament in the knee that can be injured by excessive valgus force.
• How is the MCL commonly injured?

  By an excessive valgus force due to a direct blow to the outer side of the knee or sudden twisting.