Orthopaedics
Browse 166 topics in orthopaedics.
Accessory Navicular Syndrome
The hallmark is a painful, palpable prominence on the medial arch. Biomechanically, the syndrome is significant because the TPT's insertion is displaced medially, reducing its lever arm for inversion and arch support....
Acetabular Fracture
Acetabular fractures: classification, imaging, surgical indications, and management of hip socket fractures in high-energy trauma.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete disruption of the calcaneal tendon, the strongest and largest tendon in the human body. It most commonly occurs in the "watershed zone" (2–6 cm proximal to the calcaneal...
Achondroplasia
While patients have normal intelligence and a near-normal life expectancy, the condition is associated with significant neurological and orthopaedic complications. The most critical period is infancy, where foramen...
ACL Injury
An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is a complete or partial disruption of the primary intra-articular stabilizer of the knee. The ACL's primary role is to resist anterior translation of the tibia relative to...
Acromioclavicular Joint Injury
Acromioclavicular joint injuries: mechanism, Rockwood classification, diagnosis, and evidence-based management from conservative treatment to surgical reconstruction.
Acute Compartment Syndrome
The hallmark clinical feature is pain out of proportion to the clinical findings , with pain on passive stretch of compartment muscles being the most reliable early sign. Pulselessness and paralysis are late...
Acute Osteomyelitis (Paediatric)
Acute Haematogenous Osteomyelitis (AHO) is a bacterial infection of the bone marrow, primarily affecting the rapidly growing metaphyses of long bones in children. It represents one of the most important paediatric...
Ankle Arthritis (Adult)
Ankle arthritis represents a fundamentally different pathological entity from hip or knee osteoarthritis. While hip and ... FRCS (Tr&Orth) exam preparation.
Ankle Sprain
The acute lateral ankle sprain is the single most common musculoskeletal injury in the active population, accounting for approximately 2 million injuries annually in the United States alone. It involves stretching or...
Ankylosing Spondylitis
AS is strongly associated with HLA-B27 positivity (present in 85-95% of patients), though only 1-5% of HLA-B27-positive individuals develop the disease, indicating additional genetic and environmental factors are...
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rupture
The rupture is a catastrophic event for the knee joint, often referred to as the "beginning of the end" for the native joint, as it sets off a cascade of instability, meniscal tears, and eventual post-traumatic...
Avascular Necrosis of the Hip - Adult
Avascular necrosis (AVN), also termed osteonecrosis, is the ischaemic death of bone tissue in the femoral head due to in... FRCS (Tr&Orth), FRACS (Orth) exam pr
Baker's Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)
A Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled synovial cyst that forms in the popliteal fossa, typically as a distension of the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa. It is almost always secondary to intra-articular...
Bennett's Fracture
The fracture is characterized by a two-part fracture pattern : a small volar-ulnar fragment remains attached to the trapezium via the strong anterior oblique ligament (volar beak ligament), while the main metacarpal...
Both Bone Forearm Fracture (Paediatric)
Both bone forearm fractures (BBFF) represent one of the most common fracture patterns in the paediatric population, acco... FRCS Orth exam preparation.
Boxer's Fracture (5th Metacarpal Neck Fracture) (Adult)
A Boxer's Fracture is a fracture through the neck of the 5th metacarpal bone, representing the most common metacarpal fr... MRCS exam preparation.
Calcaneus Fracture
Calcaneus fractures represent the most common tarsal bone injury, accounting for approximately 60% of all tarsal fractur... FRCS, FRACS exam preparation.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by provocative maneuvers including Phalen's test and Durkan's carpal compression test . Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) provide objective severity grading and guide management...
Cauda Equina Syndrome (Adult)
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a rare but potentially catastrophic neurosurgical emergency caused by compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots below the level of the conus medullaris (typically L1/L2 vertebral...
Cavovarus Foot
The cavovarus foot is a complex three-dimensional deformity characterized by a pathologically elevated longitudinal arch (cavus), hindfoot varus angulation, and forefoot adduction. Unlike the more common and often...
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture, attributed to non-progressive ... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Cervical Radiculopathy (Adult)
Cervical radiculopathy is a neurological condition characterized by compression or inflammation of a cervical nerve root, resulting in radicular pain, sensory disturbance, and/or motor weakness in a dermatomal and...
Charcot Neuroarthropathy
The hallmark of acute Charcot is a red, hot, swollen foot in a patient with peripheral neuropathy, often triggered by minor trauma that goes unnoticed due to sensory loss. This acute inflammatory phase is...
Charcot Neuroarthropathy (Charcot Foot)
Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN), commonly referred to as Charcot foot, is a progressive destructive arthropathy affecting ... MRCP Part 2 exam preparation.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)
CMT is characterised by Progressive Distal Muscle Weakness and Atrophy , Sensory Loss , Foot Deformities (Particularly Pes Cavus and Hammer Toes) , and Reduced or Absent Deep Tendon Reflexes . The hallmark clinical...
Chondromalacia Patellae (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain, particularly affecting adole... FRCS Orthopaedics exam preparation.
Chondrosarcoma (Adult)
Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumour producing cartilaginous matrix and represents the second most common primary bone malignancy after osteosarcoma, accounting for approximately 20% of primary bone malignancies....
Chopart Injury
The Chopart Joint (Midtarsal Joint, Transverse Tarsal Joint) is a complex articulation consisting of the Talonavicular (TN) and Calcaneocuboid (CC) joints. This S-shaped joint complex is critical for the foot's...
Chronic Ankle Instability
The condition has significant implications for quality of life, athletic performance, and long-term joint health, with CAI patients demonstrating a 3-4 fold increased risk of developing ankle osteoarthritis by middle...
Clavicle Fracture
The landmark Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society (COTS) Trial in 2007 fundamentally changed practice by demonstrating that plate fixation of completely displaced midshaft clavicle fractures reduces non-union rates...
Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)
Clubfoot, or congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), represents one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal deformities, affecting approximately 1-2 per 1,000 live births worldwide. The deformity comprises four...
Collateral Ligament Injuries (MCL & LCL)
Pellegrini-Stieda: Calcification at the proximal origin of the MCL seen on X-ray weeks/months after injury. A sign o... FRCS exam preparation.
Crush Injury & Crush Syndrome
Crush injury is compressive trauma to body parts causing direct tissue damage through mechanical disruption and ischemia... MRCP, EDIC exam preparation.
Crystal Arthropathies (Gout & CPPD)
Crystal arthropathies represent a group of inflammatory joint diseases caused by the deposition of crystals within synovial fluid and periarticular tissues. The two principal conditions in this category are gout...
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
The ulnar nerve traverses five recognized sites of potential compression (Proximal to Distal):... FRCS exam preparation.
Cuboid Fracture
The cuboid bone is the keystone of the lateral column of the foot, articulating proximally with the calcaneus and distally with the fourth and fifth metatarsals. Cuboid fractures are uncommon injuries, accounting for...
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
The condition is characterized by pain and tenderness over the radial styloid, aggravated by thumb and wrist movements. It classically affects new mothers (hence "Mother's Thumb" or "Baby Wrist") due to repetitive...
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (Child)
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) represents a spectrum of abnormalities affecting the developing hip joint, ranging from mild acetabular dysplasia through subluxation to complete dislocation of the femoral...
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
A Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a full-thickness wound below the ankle in a patient with diabetes mellitus, arising from the complex interaction of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and biomechanical...
Discitis & Vertebral Osteomyelitis
Discitis (also termed spondylodiscitis or vertebral osteomyelitis) represents an infection of the intervertebral disc space and adjacent vertebral bodies. This condition constitutes a diagnostic and therapeutic...
Distal Femoral Fractures
Distal femoral fractures involve the distal metaphyseal and epiphyseal regions of the femur, typically within 15cm of th... FRCS Trauma & Orthopaedics exam prep
Distal Radius and Wrist Fractures (Adult)
Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the most common fractures in adults, accounting for approximately 18% of all fractures... MRCS, FRCS (Tr & Orth), FRACS exam p
Distal Radius Fracture
Exam Detail: Key Revision Focus: Radiographic parameters (11mm height, 22° inclination, 11° volar tilt), Eponyms (Colles vs Smith vs Barton), Criteria for instability (Lafontaine), and EPL rupture mechanism....
DRUJ Injury & TFCC Tear
The Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) is the critical pivot point for forearm rotation, contributing approximately 150° of combined pronation-supination arc. Stability is provided by the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex...
Dupuytren's Contracture
Dupuytren's Disease is a benign, progressive fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia characterized by pathologi... FRCS Orth, FRACS Orth exam preparati
Ewing's Sarcoma
Histologically, Ewing's sarcoma belongs to the Ewing sarcoma family of tumours (ESFT) , characterized as a "small round blue cell tumour" with a pathognomonic molecular signature: the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion gene resulting...
Extensor Tendon Injuries
The extensor mechanism differs fundamentally from the flexor system: extensors form an interconnected aponeurotic network rather than discrete tendons in sheaths, making them more vulnerable to adhesion but also...
Extensor Tendonitis of the Foot
This condition manifests as pain and swelling over the dorsum (top) of the foot and ankle, exacerbated by activities involving repetitive ankle dorsiflexion—running (especially uphill), prolonged walking, dancing, or...
Extradural Haemorrhage (Epidural Haematoma)
Extradural Haemorrhage (EDH), also known as epidural haematoma, is a neurosurgical emergency characterised by arterial b... MRCP, FRCS Neurosurgery exam prepara
Fat Embolism Syndrome
Key Facts Timing : 12-72 hours after injury (peak 24-48 hours; rarely less than 12 hours or >1 week) Classic triad : Respiratory insufficiency (75-95%) + neurological dysfunction (60-80%) + petechial rash (20-50%)...
Femoral Shaft Fractures
Modern management is universally surgical, with intramedullary nailing (IMN) being the gold standard treatment, achieving union rates exceeding 95%. Early definitive fixation (within 24 hours) in physiologically...
Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Tendonitis
The FHL is unique anatomically as it passes through a fibro-osseous tunnel at the posterior ankle, curves around the sustentaculum tali, and crosses the Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) at the Knot of Henry . These...
Flexor Tendon Injuries
Modern management has evolved dramatically from the nihilistic "benign neglect" approach of the 1950s to sophisticated primary repair techniques. The cornerstone of contemporary surgical treatment involves 4-strand or...
Freiberg Infraction
Key Facts The Victim : The classic patient is a 14-year-old female athlete (dancer, gymnast, or runner) presenting with insidious onset forefoot pain. The Site : Second metatarsal head in 68% of cases, third...
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
The hallmark pathological feature is capsular contracture with loss of the axillary recess , leading to global restriction of shoulder movement following a characteristic capsular pattern (External Rotation Abduction...
Galeazzi Fracture-Dislocation
A Galeazzi fracture-dislocation is a fracture of the distal third of the radius (typically within 7.5 cm of the radiocar... FRCS Orth, FRACS Orth exam preparati
Gamekeeper's Thumb (UCL Injury)
Gamekeeper's thumb refers to insufficiency of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP)... MRCS exam preparation.
Ganglion Cyst
While the diagnosis is predominantly clinical, ganglion cysts pose both cosmetic and functional concerns for patients. The natural history is remarkably benign: approximately 50% resolve spontaneously , particularly...
Ganglion Cyst (Foot)
A ganglion cyst is the most common benign soft tissue mass of the foot and ankle, accounting for approximately 18-22% of all foot soft tissue tumors. It is a cystic structure filled with mucinous, gelatinous fluid...
Glomus Tumor (Subungual)
A Glomus Tumor is a rare, benign, but exquisitely painful vascular neoplasm arising from the glomus body (Sucquet-Hoyer canal). The glomus body is a specialized arteriovenous anastomosis involved in thermoregulation,...
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Medial Epicondylitis ("Golfer's Elbow") is a degenerative overuse tendinopathy affecting the Common Flexor Origin (CFO) at the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Despite its colloquial name, over 90% of cases are...
Gout and Crystal Arthropathies
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis worldwide, affecting approximately 2.5% of adults in developed countries. It is a crystal deposition disease caused by the precipitation of Monosodium Urate (MSU)...
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)
GTPS affects approximately 1.8-3.3 per 1000 patients annually, with a cumulative prevalence of 10-25% in the general adult population. The condition demonstrates a marked female predominance (female:male ratio of 4:1)...
Greenstick Fracture in Children
A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture of long bones unique to the paediatric skeleton, characterized by cortical breach on the tension (convex) side while the compression (concave) side remains intact. The...
Hallux Fracture
Fractures of the hallux (great toe) are common foot injuries resulting from direct trauma (dropping heavy objects), stubbing mechanisms (axial load), or hyperextension injuries. Unlike lesser toes, the hallux plays a...
Hallux Rigidus
The pathognomonic feature is the formation of large dorsal osteophytes (bone spurs) on the metatarsal head that create a mechanical block to dorsiflexion, causing impingement pain during the terminal stance phase of...
Hallux Valgus (Bunion)
Exam Detail: Key Revision Focus: Radiographic angles (HVA, IMA, DMAA). Joint Congruency vs Incongruency. Algorithm for Osteotomy Selection (Chevron vs Scarf vs Lapidus vs Akin). Complications (AVN, Hallux Varus,...
Hand Infections
Unlike infections elsewhere in the body, hand infections carry an exceptionally high risk of permanent disability if not recognized and treated urgently. The tendon nutrition depends on synovial fluid circulation and...
High Ankle Sprain
A High Ankle Sprain (syndesmotic injury) refers to injury of the syndesmosis —the fibrous complex of ligaments that binds the distal tibia and fibula together, maintaining the integrity of the ankle mortise. Unlike...
Hip Fracture (Neck of Femur)
What is it? Hip fractures are fractures of the proximal femur, classified as intracapsular (within the hip joint capsule, risk of avascular necrosis) or extracapsular (trochanteric/subtrochanteric, risk of mechanical...
Human & Animal Bites
Mammalian bite wounds present a significant infectious disease challenge due to polymicrobial oral flora, with infection rates varying from 5% (dog bites) to 50% (cat bites). The unique anatomy of bite...
Humeral Shaft Fracture
The Sarmiento functional bracing protocol , introduced in the 1970s, revolutionized treatment by demonstrating that rigid immobilization is unnecessary and that controlled fracture motion promotes healing through...
Hypovolemic Shock (Adult)
Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening circulatory failure state characterised by inadequate intravascular volume to ma... MRCP, FRCEM exam preparation.
Ingrown Toenail
The condition affects predominantly the great toe (hallux), with the lateral nail edge involved in approximately 85% of cases. Without appropriate treatment, the natural history progresses through stages of increasing...
Jersey Finger
This injury is a classic sports-related trauma seen predominantly in contact sports (Rugby, American Football, Basketball, Judo) caused by forced hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) while the...
Joint Dislocation in Adults
A joint dislocation occurs when the articular surfaces of a joint lose complete contact with one another, resulting in j... FRCS (Tr&Orth) exam preparation.
Kienböck's Disease (Adult)
Kienböck's disease is avascular necrosis (AVN) of the lunate bone, one of the eight carpal bones in the wrist. Fir... FRCS(Tr&Orth), FRACS(Orth) exam prep
Knee Ligament and Meniscal Injuries (Adult)
Knee ligament and meniscal injuries represent some of the most common musculoskeletal injuries presenting to emergency departments and orthopaedic clinics worldwide. The knee joint is a modified hinge joint that...
Koehler Disease
Koehler Disease (often spelled Kohler's Disease) is a rare, self-limiting avascular necrosis (osteochondrosis) of the ta... FRCS (Orth) exam preparation.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as "tennis elbow," is a degenerative tendinopathy affecting the common extensor origin at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, most commonly involving the extensor carpi...
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis, colloquially termed "tennis elbow," represents the most common cause of lateral elbow pain in adults and constitutes a significant cause of occupational morbidity. The condition is characterised...
Lisfranc Injury
The Lisfranc injury refers to a disruption of the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint complex, specifically involving the Lisfranc Ligament which anchors the 2nd Metatarsal base to the Medial Cuneiform. This ligament is the...
Low Back Pain and Sciatica
Low Back Pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. 85% of cases are "Non-specific Mechanical LBP" where no specific anatomical cause (like cancer or infection) is found.
Lumbar Disc Herniation (Adult)
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is the displacement of nucleus pulposus material beyond the normal boundaries of the interv... MRCS, FRCS Orth, FRACS Orth, MRCP ex
Maisonneuve Fracture
Mechanism: Pronation-External Rotation (PER). The foot is planted (pronated) and the body rotates externally.... FRCS exam preparation.
Major Haemorrhage in Adults
Major haemorrhage is life-threatening acute blood loss requiring immediate massive transfusion and source control. It is defined by transfusion of ≥4 units of packed red blood cells (pRBC) in less than 1 hour, ≥10...
Mallet Finger (Adult)
Mallet finger represents a disruption of the terminal extensor mechanism at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, resulting in loss of active DIP extension. The injury occurs when sudden forceful flexion is applied...
Meniscal Tear (Adult)
The menisci are C-shaped fibrocartilaginous structures that serve as critical load distributors and shock absorbers in the knee joint, transmitting 50-70% of joint loads through hoop stress mechanisms. Meniscal tears...
Metastatic Bone Disease
The "Big 5" primary carcinomas responsible for over 80% of bone metastases are Breast, Prostate, Lung, Kidney (Renal), and Thyroid - remembered by the mnemonic "Pb KTL" (Lead Kettle). Bone metastases are classified by...
Metatarsal Fractures
Fractures of the metatarsals represent the most common traumatic foot injuries, accounting for approximately 35% of all foot fractures and occurring at an incidence of 6.7 per 10,000 person-years. Management is highly...
Monteggia Fracture-Dislocation
A Monteggia fracture-dislocation is a fracture of the proximal third of the ulna with an associated dislocation of the radial head at the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ). First described by Giovanni Battista...
Morton's Neuroma
Key Facts The 3rd Webspace Predilection : Multiple anatomical factors explain why Morton's neuroma most commonly affects the 3rd intermetatarsal space (80-85% of cases). The 3rd common digital nerve receives dual...
Muller-Weiss Syndrome
The hallmark radiographic feature is the "comma-shaped" navicular on lateral radiographs, reflecting compression of the lateral portion and extrusion of the medial fragment dorsally. As the lateral column collapses,...
Nail Bed Injuries
Nail bed injuries are among the most common hand injuries presenting to Emergency Departments, accounting for approximat... FRCS (Plast) exam preparation.
Navicular Fracture
The tarsal navicular is the keystone of the medial longitudinal arch , occupying a critical position in foot biomechanics and force transmission during gait. Navicular fractures occur in two distinct clinical...
Olecranon Bursitis (Adult)
Olecranon Bursitis is inflammation of the superficial subcutaneous bursa overlying the olecranon process at the posterior aspect of the elbow. It represents one of the most common superficial bursitides encountered in...
Olecranon Fracture
Because the olecranon forms the articular surface of the ulnohumeral joint (the primary stabilizer of the elbow), anatomical reduction is mandatory to restore joint congruity and prevent post-traumatic arthritis. The...
Open Fracture
An open fracture (compound fracture) is defined as a fracture with a direct communication between the external environment and the fracture haematoma, either through traumatic disruption of the overlying soft tissues...
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
The pathophysiology involves repetitive microtrauma to the secondary ossification centre of the tibial tubercle, occurring predominantly during activities involving powerful quadriceps contractions such as jumping,...
Osteoarthritis
It is a "Whole Joint Failure". The cardinal features are pain (mechanical), stiffness (short duration), and loss of function. It predominantly affects weight-bearing joints (Hips, Knees) and the hands (DIPs, CMC thumb).
Osteochondritis Dissecans in Children
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a localised disorder of subchondral bone characterised by separation of an osteochond... MRCS, FRCS Orth exam preparation.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Child)
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a heritable connective tissue disorder characterised by bone fragility, resulting from quantitative or qualitative defects in type I collagen. First described by Ekman in 1788 and...
Osteomalacia (Adult Rickets)
Osteomalacia is a metabolic bone disease characterised by defective mineralisation of the osteoid matrix in adults, resulting in the accumulation of unmineralised or inadequately mineralised bone. The term derives...
Osteomalacia & Rickets
Osteomalacia and rickets represent a spectrum of metabolic bone disorders characterised by defective mineralisation of b... MRCP exam preparation.
Osteomyelitis
Biofilm: The primary reason for treatment failure. Bacteria adhere to implant/bone and secrete a glycocalyx matrix (... FRCS exam preparation.
Osteoporosis
Clinically, it is known as the "silent thief" because bone loss occurs without symptoms until a fragility fracture occurs. A fragility fracture is defined as a fracture resulting from a fall from standing height or...
Paget's Disease of Bone
The disease typically affects individuals over 55 years of age and is frequently asymptomatic, discovered incidentally through elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or characteristic radiological findings. When...
Paget's Disease of Bone
A comprehensive guide to Paget's Disease of Bone, covering pathophysiology, the 'Cotton Wool' skull appearance, isolated raised Alkaline Phosphatase, bisphosphonate therapy, and complications including osteosarcoma.
Patella Dislocation (Adult)
Acute patellar dislocation is a common traumatic knee injury characterized by lateral displacement of the patella from the trochlear groove of the femur. It represents the second most common cause of acute traumatic...
Patella Fracture (Adult)
The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body and serves a critical biomechanical function in the extensor ... MRCS, FRCS (Tr & Orth) exam preparat
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
Patellar tendinopathy, commonly known as Jumper's Knee , is a chronic overuse injury characterized by activity-related anterior knee pain localized to the inferior pole of the patella. The condition predominantly...
Patellar Tendon Rupture (Adult)
Patellar tendon rupture is a complete disruption of the knee extensor mechanism occurring predominantly in younger, active adults (less than 40 years) . It represents a surgical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis...
Pelvic Fractures (Adult)
Pelvic fractures represent the most lethal orthopaedic injury encountered in trauma, with mortality rates ranging from 10% in stable fractures to 40-50% in open fractures. The pelvis is an osseoligamentous ring...
Peroneal Tendon Dislocation
Acute injuries are commonly mistaken for lateral ankle sprains, leading to delayed diagnosis and chronic instability. The hallmark clinical feature is a painful "snapping" or "popping" sensation at the posterolateral...
Peroneal Tendon Disorders
Superior Peroneal Retinaculum (SPR): The primary restraint preventing subluxation out of the retromalleolar groove.... FRCS exam preparation.
Perthes Disease (LCPD)
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is an idiopathic Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the developing femoral head in children, typically aged 4-8 years. The condition represents a self-limiting disorder characterized by...
Perthes Disease (Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease)
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), commonly known as Perthes disease, is an idiopathic avascular necrosis (AVN) of the c... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Pilon Fracture (Adult)
A pilon fracture (from the French pilon, meaning "pestle" or "hammer") is a complex intra-articular fracture of the dist... FRCS (Tr&Orth) exam preparation.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of inferior heel pain, affecting approximately 10% of the general population ... FRCS, FRACS exam preparation.
Plantar Fibromatosis
The hallmark of management is conservative first : surgery is fraught with extremely high recurrence rates (57-100% for simple excision), making non-operative modalities including custom orthotics, intralesional...
Prepatellar Bursitis (Housemaid's Knee)
Prepatellar bursitis is inflammation of the prepatellar bursa, a superficial synovial-lined sac located anterior to the patella between the skin and the kneecap. It presents as a discrete, localised swelling over the...
Proximal Humerus Fracture (Adult)
Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) represent the third most common osteoporotic fracture in adults, accounting for approximately 5-6% of all fractures, following hip and distal radius fractures. They predominantly...
Radial Head Fracture (Adult)
Radial head fractures represent the most common fracture of the elbow in adults, accounting for approximately 33% of all elbow fractures and 4% of all fractures. These injuries typically result from a fall onto an...
Radial Nerve Palsy
The clinical picture depends entirely on the level of the lesion : Axillary injuries (e.g., crutch palsy) cause triceps loss; Humeral shaft injuries at the spiral groove (most common) cause wrist drop but spare...
Rickets
While nutritional rickets (vitamin D deficiency) accounts for the majority of cases globally, clinicians must recognize genetic and metabolic forms including hypophosphataemic rickets, vitamin D-dependent rickets, and...
Rickets and Osteomalacia
The underlying aetiology is multifactorial but globally dominated by Vitamin D Deficiency (nutritional rickets/osteomalacia), which remains a significant public health problem despite being entirely preventable....
Rotator Cuff Disorders
The pathophysiology is predominantly degenerative, arising from age-related tendon degeneration, vascular insufficiency, and repetitive microtrauma in the subacromial space. Clinical presentation typically includes...
Rotator Cuff Tear (Adult)
Rotator cuff tears represent the most common pathology of the shoulder, affecting approximately 20-30% of the general population and increasing dramatically with age to over 50% in individuals aged 60 years and older....
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Tears
Rotator cuff disease encompasses a spectrum of pathology affecting the four rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor), ranging from acute inflammatory tendonitis through...
Scaphoid Fracture (Adult)
The scaphoid is the most frequently fractured carpal bone, accounting for 60-70% of all carpal fractures and representin... MRCS exam preparation.
Sciatica (Adult)
Sciatica is a syndrome characterized by radiating pain along the distribution of the sciatic nerve (L4-S3 dermatomes), typically extending from the lower back into the posterior thigh and leg, usually below the knee....
Scoliosis (Child)
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional structural deformity of the spine characterised by:
Septic Arthritis
The classic presentation is a short history (less than 1 week) of a single hot, swollen, painful joint with restricted range of movement and systemic upset. Inability to weight bear is a key sign.
Septic Arthritis (Paediatric)
Septic arthritis in children is an orthopaedic emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and surgical intervention. It represents bacterial infection of the joint space that results in rapid, irreversible destruction of...
Sesamoid Injury & Turf Toe
The First Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) Joint is a complex mechanism designed to withstand 50-80% of body weight during the push-off phase of gait. Crucial to this function are the two Sesamoid Bones (Tibial and Fibular),...
Sever's Disease
The condition was first described by James Warren Sever in 1912 and represents a distinct entity within the broader family of paediatric osteochondroses. Unlike traumatic injuries, Sever's disease develops gradually...
Shoulder Dislocation (Adult)
The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated major joint in the body, accounting for approximately 45% of all joint dislocations. This high susceptibility to dislocation stems from the joint's unique...
Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
Anatomy: The Sinus Tarsi is a conical tunnel between the talus neck and the calcaneus.... FRCS exam preparation.
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
The pathophysiology involves mechanical overload of a weakened physis during the adolescent growth spurt , strongly associated with obesity ( 80% of patients), endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, growth hormone...
Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE)
Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE), also known as Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE), is a displacement of the... FRCS exam preparation.
Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE)
The incidence ranges from 0.33 per 100,000 in Asian populations to 50.5 per 100,000 in high-risk populations, with marked ethnic variation. The condition predominantly affects obese males aged 10-16 years, with the...
Smith's Fracture
Smith's fracture is a distal radius fracture characterised by volar (palmar) displacement and angulation of the distal f... FRCS exam preparation.
Spinal Fracture (Adult)
Spinal fractures represent a spectrum of vertebral injuries ranging from stable compression fractures to complex unstabl... FRCS Orth, FRACS Orth exam preparati
Spondylolisthesis (Adult)
Spondylolisthesis is the anterior (forward) displacement of one vertebral body relative to the adjacent caudal vertebra,... FRCS(Tr&Orth), Neurosurgery exam pre
Subtalar Arthritis
Patients present with a characteristic inability to walk on uneven ground (the "cobblestone sign"), deep lateral or medial hindfoot pain (sinus tarsi region), and progressive loss of hindfoot motion. The condition is...
Subtalar Dislocation
Key Facts The "Acquired Clubfoot" : A medial subtalar dislocation produces a clinical appearance identical to congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot deformity) in an adult, with the foot locked in inversion,...
Subungual Exostosis
The condition is clinically significant because it is frequently misdiagnosed as verruca vulgaris, onychomycosis, or ingrown toenail, leading to delayed treatment and prolonged symptoms. The diagnostic hallmark is a...
Supracondylar Fracture (Child)
Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common elbow fracture in children, accounting for 50-60% of all paediatric elbow injuries. They typically occur in children aged 5-7 years following a Fall On...
Supracondylar Humerus Fracture (Paediatric)
Supracondylar humerus fractures represent the most common elbow fracture in children, accounting for 50-60% of all paediatric elbow injuries and approximately 3% of all paediatric fractures. These fractures occur in...
Surgical Site Infection in Adults
Surgical site infection (SSI) remains the most common healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in surgical patients, accounting for nearly 20% of all HAIs. Defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...
Syndesmosis Injury
Syndesmosis injuries, commonly referred to as "High Ankle Sprains" , represent 1-11% of all ankle sprains but account for disproportionate morbidity, with recovery times 2-3 times longer than lateral ankle ligament...
Talonavicular Arthritis
Talonavicular (TN) arthritis represents pathological degeneration of the "Coxa Pedis" or "Hip of the Foot"—the critical ball-and-socket articulation formed between the head of the talus and the concave socket created...
Talus Fracture (Adult)
Talus fractures represent a unique and challenging injury pattern in orthopaedic trauma, accounting for approximately 0.... MRCS exam preparation.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Baxter's Nerve (First Branch of Lateral Plantar Nerve - FBLPN):... FRCS exam preparation.
Tendon Rupture
Tendon rupture is the complete or partial discontinuity of a tendon resulting from acute trauma, chronic degeneration, o... FRCS (Tr&Orth) exam preparation.
Tetanus
The global burden of tetanus has decreased dramatically over the past three decades, with deaths falling by nearly 90% between 1990 and 2019, primarily due to the WHO's Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination...
Tibia Shaft Fracture (Adult)
Tibial shaft fractures represent the most common long bone fracture in adults, with an incidence of 16-26 per 100,000 person-years. The tibia's unique anatomy—with approximately one-third of its circumference being...
Tibial Plateau Fracture
Tibial plateau fractures are complex intra-articular injuries of the proximal tibia, representing approximately 1% of al... FRCS (Tr&Orth) exam preparation.
Tibial Shaft Fracture (Adult)
Tibial shaft fractures represent the most common long bone fracture in the adult population, accounting for approximatel... MRCS exam preparation.
TMT Arthritis
Arthritis of the Tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints, also known as Midfoot Arthritis, is a common cause of dorsal foot pain and difficulty wearing shoes. It primarily affects the 2nd and 3rd TMT joints (the rigid "Keystone"...
Transient Synovitis (Irritable Hip)
Transient synovitis (TS), colloquially known as irritable hip , is a self-limiting, non-infective inflammatory condition of the hip joint. It represents the single most common cause of acute hip pain and limp in the...
Trigger Finger
The condition affects approximately 2-3% of the general adult population, with a marked female predominance (6:1) and peak incidence in the 5th-6th decades of life. Prevalence increases substantially in patients with...
Triple Arthrodesis
The Triple Arthrodesis is the definitive salvage procedure for severe, rigid hindfoot deformity and pan-talar arthritis.... FRCS exam preparation.
Turf Toe (Adult)
Turf toe is a sprain of the plantar capsulo-ligamentous complex of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, resulting ... MRCS, FRCS (Tr&Orth) exam preparatio
Volar Plate Injury to the PIPJ
The volar plate is a fibrocartilaginous ligamentous structure on the palmar aspect of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, providing the primary restraint to hyperextension. Volar plate injuries represent the...