MSK

Question 1

_______ risk assessment tool is used for back pain in primary care

Answer 1

STarT Back

Question 2

RED FLAG signs of back pain

Answer 2

Severe back pain

Urinary or bowel incontinence/ retention

Perianal anesthesia/ paraesthesia

Bilateral leg weakness/ paraesthesia

Bilateral sciatica

Systemic: fever, weight loss

IV drug use (discitis)

Trauma

Neurological deficit

Question 3

Management of soft-tissue back pain

Answer 3

Physiotherapy + exercise

• Stretches
• Avoid strenuous lifting + correct method of lifting

Self-help

• Hot water bottle
• Heat rub
• TENS, acupuncture

Analgesia

• Paracetamol
• Naproxen
• Topical NSAIDs

Question 4

Red flags for joint pain

Answer 4

Septic arthritis

• Fever/ malaise
• Monoarthropathy
• Recent joint surgery/ prosthetic
• Exisiting infection
• IV drug use
• HIV/ Chemo/ immunosuppression

Haemoarthrosis

• Trauma
• SCD/ haemaglobinopathy
• Anticoagulation

RA

• Symmetrical
• Morning joint stiffness