MSK Red Flags

Question 1

State 3 questions you could ask to check for ‘red flags’

Answer 1

• general malaise
• unexplained fever
• unexplained weightloss (>5kg in 2 weeks)
• cancer in history
• prolonged use of corticosteroids
• trauma in history
• night pain
• widespread changes in sensation
• Balance problems
• Vision problems
• Bladder or bowel problems

Question 2

3 signs and symptoms of cancer

Answer 2

• pain at rest or night
• PMH of cancer
• movement independent pain
• general malaise
• unexplained weightloss (>5kg in 2 weeks)

Question 3

3 signs and symptoms of infection

Answer 3

• pain at rest or at night
• movement independent pain
• fever
• general malaise
• night sweats

Question 4

3 signs and symptoms of fractures

Answer 4

• trauma movement present
• not improving, severe pain
• pain at night
• history of prolonged corticosteroid use

Question 5

3 signs and symptoms of a CNS issue

Answer 5

• widespread changes in sensation
• Balance problems
• Vision problems
• Bladder or bowel problems
• loss of function of limbs

Question 6

liver, diaphragm and pericardium can have referred pain to where?

Answer 6

shoulder/neck

Question 7

gall bladder, stomach, pancreas and small intestine can have referred pain to where?

Answer 7

mid back, scapular regions

Question 8

colon, appendix, pelvic viscera can have referred pain to where?

Answer 8

mid back

Question 9

sigmoid colon, rectum, urethers and testes can have referred pain to where?

Answer 9

pelvis, flank, lower back, sacrum