Skeletal System
Read the case study and complete the whole lesson. Afterward, answer the questions related to the clinical case. This practical exercise will help you apply your newly acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios and improve your critical thinking skills.
Case study:
Sarah, a 35-year-old woman, visited her physician complaining of chronic back pain and stiffness that had persisted for over six months. She described the discomfort as a dull ache primarily centralized in the lower back area, which intensified during movement and prolonged sitting. Sarah mentioned experiencing occasional numbness and tingling sensations in her legs. These symptoms significantly affected her daily routine, limiting her mobility and causing considerable discomfort. Dr. Smith, after a thorough examination, noted reduced flexibility and tenderness in Sarah’s lower back region. Based on her symptoms and physical findings, Dr. Smith suspected a potential issue with her lumbar vertebrae and recommended further diagnostic evaluations. Sarah underwent various diagnostic tests, including X-rays and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of her lumbar spine. The X-rays revealed signs of disc degeneration and reduced intervertebral space between the L4-L5 vertebrae. The MRI confirmed disc herniation at the L4-L5 level, causing compression on the adjacent nerve root. Following the diagnostic findings, Dr. Smith diagnosed Sarah with lumbar disc herniation. The treatment plan involved a combination of conservative therapies and lifestyle adjustments. Sarah was advised to refrain from strenuous activities and lifting heavy weights. More importantly, Sarah was prescribed physical therapy sessions focusing on strengthening exercises and stretches to alleviate pressure on the affected area and pain medication to alleviate the pain. Additionally, she was advised on proper posture and ergonomics, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a neutral spine during daily activities. Pain management techniques such as applying ice packs and heat therapy were recommended to manage acute discomfort.
Upon completing the lesson return to the case study and answer the following questions related to the provided scenario.
- What are the primary symptoms of Sarah’s skeletal issue, and which diagnostic tests were essential in confirming her condition?Sarah experienced chronic back pain and stiffness, primarily concentrated in her lower back area. Her discomfort intensified during movement and prolonged sitting, accompanied by occasional numbness and tingling sensations in her legs. The essential diagnostic tests for confirmation included X-rays and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of her lumbar spine. These tests revealed signs of disc degeneration, reduced intervertebral space, and confirmed disc herniation at the L4-L5 level, causing compression on the adjacent nerve root.
- What was Sarah diagnosed with based on the diagnostic findings, and what conservative treatments were recommended?Sarah was diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation based on the diagnostic findings. The treatment plan involved conservative therapies, including physical therapy sessions focusing on strengthening exercises and stretches to alleviate pressure on the affected area. She was advised to avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy weights. Additionally, posture correction techniques and pain management strategies such as applying ice packs and heat therapy were recommended.
- Explain the significance of the diagnostic tests used in identifying Sarah’s skeletal issue. How did these tests contribute to her diagnosis?X-rays and MRI scans were crucial in identifying Sarah’s skeletal issue. X-rays provided initial insights, showing signs of disc degeneration and reduced intervertebral space. The MRI scan offered detailed information, confirming disc herniation at the L4-L5 level and revealing the compression of the adjacent nerve root. These tests provided a comprehensive view of the structural abnormalities in Sarah’s lumbar spine, leading to a precise diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation.
Prefixes:
| Prefix | Meaning | Example (Explanation) |
|---|---|---|
| inter- | between | Intervertebral (between two vertebrae) |
| intra- | within | Intramural (within the walls of a structure) |
| peri- | around | Periosteum (membrane around bones) |
| osteo- | bone | Osteocyte (bone cell) |
| chondro- | cartilage | Chondrocyte (cartilage cell) |
| myo- | muscle | Myofibril (muscle fiber) |
| arthro- | joint | Arthroscopy (visual examination of a joint) |
| cost(o)- | rib | Costectomy (surgical removal of a rib) |
| femor(o)- | femur | Femoral (pertaining to the femur) |
| coccyg(o)- | coccyx | Coccygeal (related to the coccyx) |
Combining Forms:
| Combining Form | Meaning | Example (Explanation) |
|---|---|---|
| Arthro(o)- | joint | Arthritis (inflammation of joints) |
| Burs(o)- | bursa | Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa) |
| Carp(o)- | wrist | Carpometacarpal (relating to the wrist and metacarpal bones) |
| Chondr(o)- | cartilage | Chondrocyte (cartilage cell) |
| Clavicul(o)- | clavicle | Clavicular (pertaining to the clavicle) |
| Coccyg(o)- | coccyx | Coccygeal (related to the coccyx) |
| Cost(o)- | rib | Costochondral (related to ribs and cartilage) |
| Crani(o)- | skull | Craniotomy (surgical opening in the skull) |
| Femor(o)- | femur | Femoral (pertaining to the femur) |
| Fibul(o)- | fibula | Fibular (pertaining to the fibula) |
Suffixes:
| Suffix | Meaning | Example (Explanation) |
|---|---|---|
| -ic | Pertaining to | Pelvic (pertaining to the pelvis) |
| -plasty | Surgical repair | Osteoplasty (surgical repair of bone) |
| -itis | Inflammation | Tendinitis (inflammation of tendons) |
| -ectomy | Excision or removal | Osteectomy (surgical removal of bone) |
| -centesis | Surgical puncture | Arthrocentesis (surgical puncture of a joint) |
| -scope | Instrument for viewing | Osteoscope (instrument to view bones) |
| -sclerosis | Hardening | Arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries) |