Lumbosacral Sprain and Strain

Question 1

Grade I sprain is characterized by which pathologic feature?

Answer 1

Ligamentous microtearing

Question 2

Muscle weakness, reflex loss, and sensory loss in the distribution of a single nerve root indicates which diagnosis?

Answer 2

Radiculopathy

Question 3

Patient’s pain is 5/10. Which medication is most useful for initial pain management?

Answer 3

Acetaminophen

Question 4

Patient’s lower lumbar segments are visibly erythematous and warm and swollen on palpation. You obtain blood for a Westergren ESR. What would be an abnormal ESR for this patient?

Answer 4

20 mm/hour

Question 5

Pt has grade II sprain and strain. Pain is 3/10. What is the limit for weight she is permitted to lift during recovery?

Answer 5

35 pounds

Question 6

What is a strain?

Answer 6

Damage to muscular tissue

Question 7

Pt has severe lumbosacral sprain and strain. What is the work activity restriction for this patient?

Answer 7

Sitting for no more than 20 minutes

Question 8

Which test is best when sensory loss predominates?

Answer 8

Dermatomal Evoked Potentials (DEP)

Question 9

Pt has low back pain for two weeks. No radicular symptoms or physical findings. Which treatment would be most effective for him?

Answer 9

OMT

Question 10

What is the best methodology for imaging peripheral joints?

Answer 10

Open MRI

Question 11

What is the best way to image intraspinal pathology?

Answer 11

CT with myelogram

Question 12

Pt has low back pain and neurologic deficits in both LEs. Which imaging modality carries the highest risk of complications in this setting?

Answer 12

CT with myelogram

Question 13

Muscle relaxants should be used….

Answer 13

As an adjunct to bed rest for acute muscular injury

Question 14

Which treatment has recently been shown to benefit patients with low back pain?

Answer 14

Lidocaine patch