Back Pain

Question 1

What are red flags for back pain?

Answer 1

(1) Neurological deficit
(2) History of cancer,
(3) Systemic symptoms
(4) IV drug use
(5) Immunosuppression
(6) Trauma
(7) Osteoporosis
(8) Thoracic pain
(9) Night pain
(10) Age >50 or <16

Question 2

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 2

Compression of cauda equina with lower limb weakness, numbness, and sphincter disturbance

Question 3

How to differentiate L5 radiculopathy from peroneal nerve palsy?

Answer 3

L5 radiculopathy is painful

Tibialis posterior is spared in peroneal nerve palsy

Question 4

What is spinal osteomyelitis often associated with?

Answer 4

Recent surgery, epidural placement, or systemic infection

Question 5

What is the Adam’s test used for?

Answer 5

Detecting rib hump in scoliosis

Question 6

What is the most common site for spondylolisthesis?

Answer 6

L5-S1

Question 7

What is the most common cause of cervical radiculopathy?

Answer 7

C6-C7 disc prolapse