Intro to MSK Exam

Question 1

which should you evaluate first AROM or PROM? why?

Answer 1

AROM. doing AROM first can show ROM as it relates to muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments. limited PROM indicates an issue due to joint structure.

Question 2

ligament

Answer 2

connects bone to bone

Question 3

tendon

Answer 3

muscle to bone

Question 4

name the 5 types of joints (give an example)

Answer 4

1. pivot (where radius articulates w/ humerus)
2. ball and socket (shoulder
3. hinge (elbow)
4. condyloid (patella)
5. saddle (wrist)

Question 5

articulation

Answer 5

where two bones come together in a joint

Question 6

bursae

Answer 6

fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning for bones/cartilage w/i joint

Question 7

what are the 3 main factors that affect muscle size/strength?

Answer 7

1. genetics
2. exercise
3. nutrition

Question 8

at what age is bone growth complete?

Answer 8

~20

Question 9

at what age have you acheived peak bone mass?

Answer 9

~35

Question 10

what are 3 major changes in the anatomy and physiology of a geriatric patient?

Answer 10

1. loss of bone density (at risk for fractures)
2. joint cartilage deteriorates (mobility lessens)
3. muscle mass decreases (decreased strength, reaction speed, endurance)

Question 11

why do you need to examine joints above and below pt’s joint of concern?

Answer 11

referred pain may be present, need to evaluate potential of problems that are causing pain in referred location.

Question 12

what 4 structures/qualities are assessed during inspection in the MSK exam?

Answer 12

1. skin and soft tissues
2. gait
3. extremities
4. muscles

Question 13

what 5 factors are you assessing during palaption of the bones/joints/surrounding muscles in the MSK exam?

Answer 13

1. warmth
2. tenderness
3. swelling
4. fluctuation (fluid felt under the skin)
5. crepitus (during ROM)

Question 14

what 6 factors should you note when assessing ROM in the MSK exam?

Answer 14

1. pain
2. limitations
3. spasticity
4. joint instability
5. deformity
6. contracture

Question 15

what are the 7 movements that you should isolate for testing ROM?

Answer 15

1. ABduction
2. ADduction
3. felxion
4. Extension
5. Int/Ext rotation
6. Supination
7. Pronation

***Not all joints will do all of these movements

Question 16

how might AROM and PROM exam findings be different in the MSK exam?

Answer 16

PROM may exceed AROM by 5 degrees

***HOWEVER: AROM/PROM should be equal bilaterally

Question 17

describe the rating scale for measuring muscle function

Answer 17

scale is from 0-5

5: normal strength (for THAT pt.)
4: slightly decreased
3: movement against gravity only
2: movement when gravity eliminated
1: no movement, slight contractility
0: no firing of muscle fibers at all

Question 18

what does “movement when gravity is eliminated mean”? how would you test this during muscle strength testing?

Answer 18

movement of joint perpendicular to the force of gravity. may be helpful to move pt. on their side to “eliminate” gravity

Question 19

carrying angle of elbow

Answer 19

angle of the forearm when the patient when the patient is carryings something