OSCE - MSK Flashcards
What is pelvic tilt caused by
lateral pelvic tilt can be caused by scoliosis, leg length discrepancy or hip abductor weakness.
What may a flexion abnormality indicate
fixed flexion deformity at the hip joint may suggest the presence of contractures secondary to previous trauma, inflammatory conditions or neurological disease.
What is trendelenburg’s gait
an abnormal gait caused by unilateral weakness of the hip abductor muscles secondary to a superior gluteal nerve lesion or L5 radiculopathy.
What is a waddling gait caused by
an abnormal gait caused by bilateral weakness of the hip abductor muscles, typically associated with myopathies (e.g. muscular dystrophy).
Why is it important to palpate greater trochanter
Trochanteric bursitis
How is apparent leg length assessed
To assess apparent leg length, measure and compare the distance between the umbilicus and the tip of the medial malleolus of each limb.
How is true leg length assessed
To assess true leg length, measure from the anterior superior iliac spine to the tip of the medial malleolus of each limb.
What is thomas’ test used to assess
used to assess for a fixed flexion deformity (i.e. an inability for the patient to fully extend their leg)
What is spasticity associated with
pyramidal tract lesions(stroke)
What is rigidity associated with
extrapyramidal tract lesions(Parkinson’s disease)
What is spasticity
“velocity-dependent”, meaning the faster you move the limb, the worse it is.
increased tone in the initial part of the movement which then suddenly reduces past a certain point (known as “clasp knife spasticity”).
Spasticity is also typically accompanied by weakness.
What is rigidity
velocity independent” meaning it feels the same if you move the limb rapidly or slowly
What is cogwheel rigidity
tremor superimposed on the hypertonia, resulting in intermittent increases in tone during movement of the limb
What is lead pipe rigidity
uniformly increased tone throughout the movement of the muscle
associated with NMS
