Condition Lookup

Hip Fractures

Sub-category: Hip and Thigh Injuries

Symptoms:
severe hip pain; inability to move the hip or leg; swelling, bruising around the hip area; shortened and externally rotated leg; difficulty bearing weight or walking

Root Cause:
A fracture in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) near the hip joint, often caused by trauma, falls, or osteoporotic weakening of the bone.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays, and possibly CT scans or MRIs to assess the type and extent of the fracture.

Treatment:
Surgical intervention is commonly required, such as hip replacement or internal fixation with plates, screws, or rods. Non-surgical treatment may involve immobilization and bed rest in some cases, but this is less common.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) for pain management. Opioids (e.g., morphine , oxycodone ) may be prescribed for more severe pain in the short term. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms post-surgery. These medications are typically classified as analgesics (pain relievers) and muscle relaxants.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis; affects approximately 250,000 people in the U.S. annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (elderly), osteoporosis, previous hip fractures, certain medications (e.g., steroids), high-impact trauma (e.g., falls or accidents).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, the prognosis is good for regaining mobility. However, older adults may experience complications such as prolonged recovery, infections, or hip replacement failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) due to immobility. Infection, especially after surgery. Nonunion or malunion of the fracture. Chronic pain or post-traumatic arthritis. Loss of function or mobility.

Femoral Shaft Fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Hip and Thigh Injuries

Symptoms:
severe pain in the thigh or hip area; swelling, bruising, and deformity in the leg; inability to move the leg; inability to bear weight or walk

Root Cause:
A fracture of the femur (thigh bone) along its length, often resulting from high-impact trauma, such as car accidents or falls from a height.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
X-rays are the primary diagnostic tool, but CT or MRI scans may be used for complex fractures to evaluate bone and soft tissue damage.

Treatment:
Typically requires surgery, including the use of intramedullary rods or plates to stabilize the bone. In some cases, traction may be used temporarily.

Medications:
Analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) for pain relief. Opioid analgesics (e.g., morphine ) for severe pain management immediately after the fracture. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed if muscle spasms occur post-surgery. These medications fall under the categories of pain relievers and muscle relaxants.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively uncommon but serious, typically affecting individuals in motor vehicle accidents or those with high-energy trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact trauma, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, osteoporosis, and other bone disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with proper surgical intervention and rehabilitation, though recovery can take several months.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection or delayed healing following surgery. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Chronic pain or limited range of motion. Nonunion or malunion of the fracture.

Hip Dislocations (Anterior, Posterior)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Hip and Thigh Injuries

Symptoms:
severe pain in the hip area; inability to move the hip or leg; deformity or abnormal positioning of the leg; numbness or tingling in the leg or foot; swelling and bruising

Root Cause:
Dislocation of the femoral head from the acetabulum (hip socket), often due to high-impact trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from a height. Anterior dislocations involve the femur moving forward, while posterior dislocations involve the femur moving backward.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination along with X-rays to confirm the dislocation and evaluate for associated fractures.

Treatment:
Emergency reduction (manipulation to reposition the femoral head back into the socket), followed by immobilization. In some cases, surgery may be needed if the dislocation is associated with fractures or if reduction is unsuccessful.

Medications:
Analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) for pain management. Opioid pain medications (e.g., morphine , oxycodone ) for acute pain, especially following the reduction process. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relieve muscle spasms during recovery. These are categorized as pain relievers and muscle relaxants.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare, accounting for 0.5-3% of all hip injuries, but can occur more frequently in high-impact accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries), history of previous dislocations, hip arthritis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most patients recover well with prompt treatment, although there may be a risk of post-traumatic arthritis or complications related to nerve damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the femoral head). Nerve damage, particularly to the sciatic nerve in posterior dislocations. Osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis. Recurrence of dislocations.

Patellar fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Knee Injuries

Symptoms:
pain in the front of the knee; swelling; difficulty straightening the knee; bruising; inability to bear weight

Root Cause:
The patella (kneecap) is broken due to trauma, such as a direct blow or a sudden forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to confirm the fracture type, and occasionally CT scans for complex fractures.

Treatment:
Non-surgical treatment with immobilization using a knee brace or cast for less severe fractures; surgical treatment (open reduction and internal fixation) for displaced fractures. Physical therapy is often required post-treatment.

Medications:
Pain relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, e.g., ibuprofen ) or prescription analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen with codeine or hydrocodone ). Muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ) may be prescribed for associated muscle tension.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively uncommon; accounts for approximately 1% of all skeletal injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact sports, falls, motor vehicle accidents, osteoporosis, or other bone-weakening conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment; most individuals regain full knee function, though some may experience stiffness or residual pain.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic knee pain, stiffness, arthritis, or malunion/nonunion of the fracture.

ACL, MCL, or PCL tears

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Knee Injuries

Symptoms:
knee instability; swelling; pain; limited range of motion; popping sound during injury; difficulty walking

Root Cause:
Ligament tears occur due to sudden twisting, hyperextension, or direct impact to the knee.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical tests (e.g., Lachman test, pivot shift test), MRI for detailed imaging of soft tissues, and X-rays to rule out bone injuries.

Treatment:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) initially; physical therapy, bracing, and surgical reconstruction (e.g., ACL graft surgery) for severe tears.

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen ) for pain and inflammation. Post-surgical pain managed with acetaminophen or prescription opioids (e.g., oxycodone ) if needed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in athletes, especially in sports requiring rapid changes in direction or jumping; ACL injuries alone affect approximately 200,000 people annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in high-impact sports, previous knee injuries, poor muscle conditioning, or biomechanical imbalances.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; full recovery often takes 6-12 months. Many individuals return to pre-injury levels of activity with proper treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic knee instability, arthritis, re-injury, or incomplete recovery of strength and motion.

Meniscus tears

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Knee Injuries

Symptoms:
pain in the knee; swelling; stiffness; catching or locking sensation in the knee; difficulty moving the knee fully; instability in the knee

Root Cause:
A tear in the cartilage (meniscus) that cushions the knee joint, often caused by twisting or pivoting movements or due to degeneration over time.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (e.g., McMurray test, Apley grind test), MRI for detailed imaging, and sometimes arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) for mild cases; physical therapy to restore strength and motion; surgical repair or partial meniscectomy for severe tears.

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen ) for pain and inflammation. Post-surgical pain management may include acetaminophen or short-term prescription opioids (e.g., hydrocodone ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common injury, particularly in athletes and older adults; approximately 500,000 meniscus surgeries are performed annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact sports, previous knee injuries, aging, or activities requiring frequent pivoting or twisting motions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with appropriate treatment; recovery time ranges from a few weeks for minor tears to several months for surgical cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, stiffness, arthritis, or incomplete recovery of knee function.

Knee dislocations

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Knee Injuries

Symptoms:
severe knee pain; visible deformity; swelling; instability; numbness or tingling (due to nerve involvement); loss of pulses in the lower leg (vascular injury)

Root Cause:
Displacement of the femur and tibia at the knee joint, often caused by high-energy trauma such as car accidents or sports injuries.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to confirm dislocation, MRI to assess ligament and soft tissue damage, and Doppler ultrasound or angiography to check for vascular injury.

Treatment:
Emergency reduction to realign the knee joint, splinting or bracing, and surgical repair of damaged ligaments, blood vessels, or nerves. Physical therapy is essential post-treatment.

Medications:
Pain management with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) or stronger analgesics like opioids (e.g., morphine or oxycodone ). Antibiotics may be given if an open wound is present to prevent infection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but serious injury; accounts for less than 0.5% of orthopedic injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls), sports involving high-impact collisions, and pre-existing ligament laxity.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable depending on the severity of the injury; some individuals recover fully, while others may have long-term complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Vascular or nerve injury, chronic knee instability, stiffness, arthritis, or risk of limb amputation in severe cases with untreated vascular compromise.

Tibia and fibula fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Leg and Ankle Injuries

Symptoms:
severe pain in the lower leg; swelling; bruising; deformity; inability to bear weight; visible bone in open fractures

Root Cause:
A break in the tibia (shinbone) or fibula (smaller bone of the lower leg), usually caused by trauma such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to identify the fracture's location and severity, CT scan for complex fractures.

Treatment:
Immobilization with a cast or brace for minor fractures; surgical fixation with plates, screws, or rods for severe or displaced fractures.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ), opioid analgesics for severe pain, antibiotics for open fractures to prevent infection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among athletes and individuals involved in high-impact activities; tibial fractures are the most frequently fractured long bones in the body.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in contact sports, osteoporosis, motor vehicle accidents, falls from height.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis with appropriate treatment, though recovery may take several months. Complicated fractures may require longer healing and physical therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection in open fractures, delayed bone healing, compartment syndrome, nerve or blood vessel damage, post-traumatic arthritis.

Achilles tendon rupture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Leg and Ankle Injuries

Symptoms:
sudden, sharp pain in the back of the lower leg; a popping or snapping sensation; difficulty walking; weakness in pushing off the foot; swelling and bruising near the heel

Root Cause:
A partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon, usually resulting from sudden stress or overstretching.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, positive Thompson test, MRI or ultrasound to confirm and assess severity.

Treatment:
Non-surgical treatment with casting or bracing, surgical repair for active individuals or complete ruptures, followed by rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) to manage discomfort.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common in men aged 30-50 engaged in recreational sports involving jumping or sprinting.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Middle age, participation in high-impact sports, previous tendinopathy, certain antibiotics (e.g., fluoroquinolones), corticosteroid injections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically good with proper treatment; however, recovery can take 6-12 months. Re-rupture is possible without adequate rehabilitation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic tendon pain, stiffness, weakness, or re-rupture if not adequately treated.

Bimalleolar fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Leg and Ankle Injuries

Symptoms:
severe pain in the ankle; swelling; bruising; deformity of the ankle; inability to bear weight; instability of the ankle joint

Root Cause:
A fracture involving both the medial and lateral malleoli, leading to joint instability. Commonly caused by trauma such as twisting injuries or falls.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, X-rays of the ankle, CT scan for detailed imaging in complex cases.

Treatment:
Surgical fixation with plates and screws in most cases; casting or bracing for minor, non-displaced fractures.

Medications:
NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, opioids for severe pain, anticoagulants to prevent blood clots if immobilized.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in all age groups but particularly in individuals with a high risk of falls or sports injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Osteoporosis, high-impact activities, motor vehicle accidents, previous ankle injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically good with proper surgical treatment and rehabilitation, but recovery may take several months.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, nerve or blood vessel injury, delayed healing.

Trimalleolar fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Leg and Ankle Injuries

Symptoms:
severe pain and swelling in the ankle; deformity; bruising; inability to bear weight; instability in the ankle joint

Root Cause:
A fracture involving the medial, lateral, and posterior malleoli, leading to significant instability and damage to the ankle joint.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, X-rays, CT scan for evaluating complex fracture patterns.

Treatment:
Surgical intervention with fixation devices like plates and screws; immobilization and physical therapy post-surgery.

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen ) for inflammation, opioids for severe pain, antibiotics if surgery involves open fractures.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than other ankle fractures but seen in high-energy trauma cases like car accidents or falls from height.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Osteoporosis, advanced age, sports injuries, vehicular accidents.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Recovery can take several months to a year, with good outcomes if treated appropriately; long-term physical therapy may be required.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arthritis, chronic pain, joint stiffness, deep vein thrombosis, delayed union or non-union.

Metatarsal Fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Foot and Toe Injuries

Symptoms:
pain and tenderness in the foot; swelling; bruising; difficulty walking or bearing weight; visible deformity in severe cases

Root Cause:
A fracture or break in one or more of the five metatarsal bones in the foot, often caused by trauma, overuse, or repetitive stress.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays of the foot, CT scans in complex cases.

Treatment:
Rest, immobilization with a cast or walking boot, physical therapy, and in severe or displaced fractures, surgical intervention with internal fixation.

Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to manage pain and inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; accounts for approximately 35% of foot injuries seen in emergency departments.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact sports, repetitive stress, osteoporosis, improper footwear, direct trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with proper treatment; healing time ranges from 6 to 12 weeks. Some cases may require longer rehabilitation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Delayed healing, malunion, chronic pain, and in rare cases, avascular necrosis (particularly of the fifth metatarsal).

Lisfranc Injury (Midfoot Dislocation)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Foot and Toe Injuries

Symptoms:
severe pain in the midfoot; swelling; bruising on the top and bottom of the foot; inability to bear weight; visible deformity in severe cases

Root Cause:
Disruption of the Lisfranc ligament complex or fractures of the midfoot bones, often caused by trauma such as falls or car accidents.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical examination, X-rays, and sometimes MRI or CT.

Treatment:
Treated with immobilization for minor cases or surgical fixation for severe injuries.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain control. Post-surgical patients may receive anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 55,000 individuals annually, often seen in athletes and trauma cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact sports, car accidents, falls from height, osteopenia.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Dependent on the severity of the injury; mild cases recover well with treatment, but severe injuries may lead to chronic pain or arthritis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, post-traumatic arthritis, compartment syndrome, and foot deformities.

Toe Fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Lower Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Foot and Toe Injuries

Symptoms:
pain and tenderness in the toe; swelling; bruising; difficulty walking; visible deformity in severe cases

Root Cause:
Break in one or more bones of the toes caused by trauma, such as stubbing or dropping a heavy object on the foot.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to confirm the fracture and assess alignment.

Treatment:
Buddy taping for non-displaced fractures, rest, ice, elevation, and in severe cases, surgery with pinning or screws.

Medications:
Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ) for pain relief. Prescription painkillers may be used in severe fractures.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, accounting for approximately 9% of all foot injuries seen in emergency departments.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma, high-impact sports, osteoporosis, improper footwear.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent in most cases, with healing typically within 4 to 6 weeks. Severe fractures may require longer recovery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion, chronic pain, stiffness, and in rare cases, deformity.