MSK- clinical skills

Question 1

visible angular deformity in the thoracic region

Answer 1

gibbus

Question 2

lordotic region

Answer 2

areas of the spine that have a naturally inward curve

Question 3

When palpating in the midline of the spine, from cranially to caudally (top to bottom), what structures are you palpating

Answer 3

spinous process

Question 4

When palpating down each side of the midline of the spine, from cranially to caudally (top to bottom), what structures are you palpating

Answer 4

paraspinal muscles

Question 5

What are the sacroiliac joints

Answer 5

the bony joints between the spine and pelvis

Question 6

what types of movements are assessed when assessing the cervical spine

Answer 6

Flexion / extension
Lateral flexion (left and right)
Rotation (left and right)

Question 7

what types of movements are assessed when assessing the lumbar spine

Answer 7

Flexion / extension
Lateral flexion (left and right)

Question 8

Schober’s test distance should increase by what

Answer 8

the distance between these marks should increase to 20cms when the patient bends forward

Question 9

marks made during Schober’s test

Answer 9

Identify the level of the sacroiliac joints; make a mark 10cms above this level and 5cms below

Question 10

genu valgus

Answer 10

condition characterized by an inward angling of the knee joints

Question 11

effusions

Answer 11

accumulation of fluid within joint space or cavity

Question 12

test that confirms presence of large effusion

Answer 12

patellar tap test

Question 13

test which confirms whether a small-to-medium effusion is present.

Answer 13

medial gutter sweep

Question 14

patellar tap test

Answer 14

gently tap down on the patella (kneecap) with one or two fingers.

Question 15

positive patellar tap test

Answer 15

patella moves easily or a sensation of “bounce” is felt, this suggests the presence of significant effusion in the knee joint

Question 16

negative patellar tap test

Answer 16

If the patella does not move significantly and feels stable, this indicates that there is likely no significant effusion

Question 17

medial gutter sweep

Answer 17

place one hand on the medial aspect (inner side) of the knee and gently sweeps downwards, pushing any accumulated fluid toward the lateral aspect (outer side) of the joint

Question 18

positive gutter sweep

Answer 18

bulge of fluid is seen returning to the medial gutter after the sweep, it suggests the presence of effusion in the knee joint.

Question 19

Steinmann’s test

Answer 19

suspect acute meniscal tear- <40yrs, history of twisting injury, focal tenderness on one joint line

Question 20

meniscus

Answer 20

crescent shaped cartilage structure located in knee joint

Question 21

trendelenburg test what are you assessing?

Answer 21

tests the integrity and strength of the abductor muscles

Question 22

will you see an effusion within a hip joint

Answer 22

no- deep joint

Question 23

true limb length

Answer 23

The anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the tip of the medial malleolus

Question 24

Apparent limb length

Answer 24

The xiphisternum to the tip of the medial malleolus

Question 25

trendelenburg test

Answer 25

Ask the patient to put their hands on yours for balance and then to stand on each leg in turn. The leg in contact with the floor is the side being assessed. If the ABductors are weak, the standing leg will move into ADduction and the iliac crest on the contralateral side will move down

Question 26

Clinical problem suggested by tenderness at the greater trochanter

Answer 26

Trochanteric bursitis

Question 27

clinical problem suggested by tenderness at the mid-point of the groin

Answer 27

hip arthritis or fracture

Question 28

Thomas test purpose

Answer 28

to look for a fixed flexion deformity of the hip, which is loss of hip extension

Question 29

Thomas test

Answer 29

With the examiner standing on the side to be examined, a hand is placed between the patient’s lumbar lordosis and couch. The patient is asked to maximally flex the contralateral hip and knee. The examiner’s hand will feel the lumbar lordosis occluding. The examiner observes the ipsilateral thigh. If the thigh remains lying flat on the couch, there is no fixed flexion deformity and the test is negative. If the thigh leaves the couch as the lumbar lordosis is occluded, there is a fixed flexion of the hip joint

Question 30

Jobe’s test

Answer 30

the patient is asked to raise their arms in the scapular plane (at about 30° forward of the coronal plane) with the thumbs pointing downward (as if emptying a can).
The examiner applies a downward force to the arms, and the patient is asked to resist this pressure.