Synonyms: CRPS, Sudeck’s atrophy, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, RSD, Causalgia Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a persistent neuropathic pain syndrome of an inappropriate intensity due to sustained sympathetic activity with the absence of impending or ongoing tissue damage. There are 2 types of CRPS: Type 1 (Sudeck’s atrophy or Reflex…
Category: PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Medical knowledge in bullet points with understandable language, simplified images and graspable mnemonics.
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Wrist Extensor Compartments
The Extensor Zone VII (wrist) contains 6 extensor compartments comprising of 6 synovial sheath lined tunnels separated from each other by fibrous sheath. These compartments contain tendons of muscles that pass from forearm to hand. The number of tendons passinf thorugh the compartments (radial to ulnar) can be remembered using…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Fascia Lata and Tensor Fascia Lata
Fascia lata and Tensor fascia lata althought different structures is often mistaken as the same by the students. Fascia Lata It is the fascial ‘stocking’ deep to the skin and superficial fascial and encloses the muscle of thigh. Proximally, its attachment can be traced around the pelvis and distally, it…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Physiology of Pulmonary Surfactant
Origin Type II alveolar cells/pneumocytes (small but numerous) and Lamellar bodies (appear in Type II pneumocytes at around the 20th week of gestation) Type I alveolar cells (large and covers 95% alveoli) are squamous cells and involved in gas exchange process. Recycling 90% is reprocessed (through endocytosis); average time for…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Modified Ficat-Arlet Staging for AVN hip : Mnemonic
Ficat and Arlet first classified avascular necrosis of femoral head (AVN) in 1964 before the advent of MRI which was later modified and published in 1985 to include pre-radiographic stages relying on invasive testing procedures. The classification system later underwent further modifications that include MRI findings, patient symptoms and modifies…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Development of Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland (hypophysis cerebri) is derived from 2 sources. The anterior lobe is an upgrowth of ectoderm from the roof of the stomodeum (primitive buccal cavity), while the posterior lobe is a down growth of neuroectoderm from the diencephalon. 4th week: a diverticulum, Rathke’s pouch, grows upwards from the roof of the stomodeum towards the…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Micturition reflex
Micturition (Urination) is the ejection of urine from the urinary bladder through the urethra to the outside of the body. It is a type of reflex with voluntary control. The micturition cycle occurs in 2 phases: Urinary Storage Mnemonic: Storage = Sympathetic 1. Stimulus: Urine filling until tension in the…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Synovial Fluid Analysis – Made Easy
What investigations to order for synovial fluid sample? Mnemonic: 5 Cs Chemistry (pH, LDH, glucose, protein) Cell counts Cytology Culture Crystals Interpretation of synovial fluid analysis Gross Normal Non-inflammatory Inflammatory Septic Crystal Hemorrhagic Volume (ml) <3.5 >3.5 >3.5 >3.5 >3.5 >3.5 Viscosity High High Low Variable Variable Variable Color Colorless…