MSK

Question 1

What is an acronym for back pain red flags?

Answer 1

TUNA FISH
trauma
unexplained weight loss
neurological symptoms
age <20 or >55
Fever
IVDU/Inflammatory pain
Steroid use
History of cancer (prostate, breast, thyroid, kidney)

Question 2

List three differentials that could explain red flag symptoms for lower back pain

Answer 2

fracture- trauma, osteoporosis (image!!)
malignancy
infection
cauda equina
spinal stenosis
inflammatory back pain

Question 3

Describe the straight leg test

Answer 3

pain on the affected side when opposite side lifted- disc prolapse

Question 4

In sciatica, where is the site of injury?

Answer 4

between L4 and S1

Question 5

Name two causes for cauda equina syndrome

Answer 5

disc prolapse
haematoma
trauma
abscess
cancer

Question 6

List one early sign of cauda equina

Answer 6

reduced sensation of micturation or altered saddle sensation
difficulty/delay in opening bladder or bowels
change in erections/vaginal sensations!!!!

Question 7

Name an inflammatory condition that would be part of you red flag differential

Answer 7

axial spondyloarthritis

Question 8

List three features of axial spondyloarthritis

Answer 8

onset before 35y
buttock pain
improvement with movement
improvement with NSAIDs
first degree relative with spondyloarthritis

Question 9

Name an inflammatory marker that would be positive in spondyloarthritis

Answer 9

HLA-B27

Question 10

State two differentials for sciatia

Answer 10

disc herniation
lumbar spinal stenosis
soft tissue stenosis- tumour, infection, cyst
deep gluteal syndrome
sacroiliac joint pain

Question 11

What is deep gluteal syndrome?

Answer 11

where the sciatic nerve is compressed by muscle structures e.g. piriformis in the deep gluteal space