FOCM 1: MSK

Question 1

What are the basics of taking a MSK history (drug, family, social, sexual, travel history)?

Answer 1

Presenting Complaint - Duration of Symptoms

Drugs - NSAID’s, Disease Modifying Drugs

Family History - Arthritis, Psoriasis, Auto-immune Disease

Social History - Age, Occupation, Ethnicity (SLE), Functional abilities (dressing, walking, writing etc.), Domestic situation, home adaptations

Sexual History - Unprotected sex, STI’s

Question 2

What are the most common symptoms that MSK patients suffer with?

Answer 2

1 - Morning Stiffness (RA)

2 - Pain

3 - Swelling

4 - Weakness/muscle wasting

5 - Erythema/rash

6 - Pattern of involved joints

7 - Symmetry of joints involved (or not)

Question 3

What are key screening questions when assessing the MSK patient?

Answer 3

1 - Can you get fully dressed on your own?

2 - Can you climb stairs with no problems?

3 - Do you have any pain or stiffness?

Question 4

What are some commonly associated diseases in MSK patients?

Answer 4

1- Crohn’s/UC

2- Gonorrhoea

3 - Psoriasis