Examinations

Question 1

What is an antalgic gait?

Answer 1

This is reducing the weight on the affected leg to reduce pain

Question 2

What is a circumducting gait?

Answer 2

The knee cannot be flexed forcing the patient to circumduct the leg to clear the ground

Question 3

What is a spastic gait?

Answer 3

This is caused by hemiparesis typically following a stroke. The foot is plantarflexed and inverted, the affected leg must be circumducted to clear the ground

Question 4

What is a high stepping gait?

Answer 4

This is a foot drop gait that is a result of weakness in the dorsiflexors of the ankle. Typically caused by a lesion on the common peroneal nerve

Question 5

What is an ataxic gait?

Answer 5

This is a broad based gait that is drunk looking. This indicates cerebellar disease.

Question 6

What is trendelenberg gait?

Answer 6

This is weakness of hip adductors so there is no limit to pelvic tilt on the affected side, this causes a pelvic lurch

Question 7

How do you test power in the hand examination and what movements test what nerves?

Answer 7

Radial nerve - C7-8 - opposing wrist extension
Ulnar nerve C8-T1 - opposing finger abduction
Median nerve C6-7 - opposing thumb abduction

Question 8

Which movements test which rotator cuff muscles?

Answer 8

Supraspinatus - empty can resisting flexion
Infraspinatus and teres minor - external rotation against resistance
Subscapularis - hand behind back trying to push away

Question 9

What is the difference between T1 and T2 MRI scans?

Answer 9

T1 is weighted for fat so this appears white

T2 is weighted for water so this appears white