Intro to the Ortho Exam Flashcards
What are red flags in a musculoskeletal exam?
Indicate serious pathology (e.g., cancer, tumors, severe pain, unresponsive to medication, weight loss, fever).
Warrant Referrals!
What are yellow flags in a musculoskeletal exam?
Reflect psychosocial issues (e.g., fear-avoidance behaviors, anxiety).
What are blue flags in a musculoskeletal exam?
Occupational problems.
What does OLBIA stand for in a case history?
Onset, Location, Behavior, Influence, Association
What are the components of a physical examination?
Inspection, function, palpation, neurological tests, special tests
What does SINS stand for when considering a condition?
Severity, Irritability, Nature, Stage of condition
What does a resisted test rule in or out?
Contractile structures
What should you do if a patient has a shoulder problem?
clear the neck
What should you do if a patient has an elbow problem?
clear the neck and shoulder
What does SPL mean in the context of resisted tests?
Strong and painless = no pathology
What does SPF mean in the context of resisted tests?
Strong and painful = muscle or tendon problem (strain or tendonitis)
What does WFP mean in the context of resisted tests?
Weak and painful = more serious tendon or muscle pathology (tear, strain, tendonitis)
What does WPL mean in the context of resisted tests?
Weak and painless = neurological involvement, complete tendon rupture or generalized weakness (disuse atrophy)
What does a positive special test mean?
Used to rule in a disease or condition
What does a negative special test mean?
Used to rule out a disease or condition
What is the purpose of screening patients?
To determine if a patient can be cured by physical therapy alone or if they need a referral.
When should you perform clearing exams?
When symptoms are located distal to the spine, especially when the onset of symptoms is insidious(gradually becoming more harmful)
What is the Cyriax approach based on?
All pain has a source; the treatment must reach the source; and the treatment must benefit the lesion.
What should you do if a patient has a hip problem?
clear the lumbar spine
What is part of the Inspection part of an Examination?
ADLs, Posture, swelling, gait , skin condition
What is part of the Function part of an Examination?
AROM , PROM, MMT, Resisted tests
What is part of the Palpation part of an Examination?
Assess Muscles, joints, nerves, and blood supply
DO NOT guess around
What is part of the Neurological tests part of an Examination?
includes myotomes, dermatomes, and cranial nerves
what is the difference between resisted test and MMT
Resisted always done with joint in neutral
MMT are done near end range
highly specific test
rule in disease
highly sensitive test
rule out disease
