MSK examinations

Question 1

Which range of movement is usually the first to be affected by OA hip and how can you test for it?

Answer 1

Extension. Thomas’ Test

Question 2

What should be palpated during a hip exam?

Answer 2

Greater trochanter, ASIS, inguinal ligament and any other area of pain

Question 3

Which special test would you do for a suspected injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?

Answer 3

Anterior drawer or Lachman’s Test

Question 4

What special test would you do if you suspected abductor weakness?

Answer 4

Trendelenburg Test.

Ask the patient to stand on their test leg and raise the other. The pelvis should remain level. If the pelvis drops down on the side that the leg is raised then this is a positive test.

Question 5

Which muscle is responsible for innitiating shoulder abduction?

Answer 5

Supraspinatus

Question 6

What movement is supraspinatus responsible for?

Answer 6

Initiates abduction of the shoulder

Question 7

Identify the quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament in the diagramme

Answer 7

Question 8

How would you test for hyperextension of the knee?

Answer 8

Fix the thigh just above the knee and lift the ankle. Hyperextension might also be visible on inspection

Question 9

Surface anatomy: Where would you expect to find the sacroiliac joints (SIJ)?

Answer 9

Question 10

How would you test for a supraspinatus tear?

Answer 10

Empty can test or resisted initiation of abduction

Question 11

Which muscle or muscles does the axillary nerve innervate?

Answer 11

Deltoid and teres minor

Question 12

What shoulder movements are infraspinatus and teres minor responsible for?

Answer 12

External rotation of the shoulder

Question 13

Which four joints make up the shoulder girdle?

Answer 13

Sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral and scapular thoracic

Question 14

The common peroneal nerve is responsible for which movement or movements of the foot?

Answer 14

Dorsiflexion of the foot and extension of the greater toe

Question 15

How might a Baker’s Cyst present?

Answer 15

Fluid-filled swelling in the popliteal fossa which is sometimes painful

Question 16

Identify the collateral ligaments on the diagram

Answer 16

Question 17

Describe how you would assess INTERNAL rotation of the hip

Answer 17

Hip and knee both flexed to 90 degrees then rotate the lower leg OUTWARDS

Question 18

Which muscle is this and what is it responsible for?

Answer 18

Infraspinatus.

External rotation of the shoulder (along with teres minor)

Question 19

What does Thomas’ Test test for and how would you do it?

Answer 19

Fixed flexion deformity of the hip.

With the patient fully prone place your hand under the patient lumbar spine. Ask the patient to bring their non-test side knee to their chest. The test is positive if the thigh of their test leg raises off the couch.

Question 20

On which area of the foot is the skin innervated by the tibial nerve

Answer 20

The sole of the foot

Question 21

What are the movements of the hip?

Answer 21

Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation.

Question 22

Identify the superficial trochanteric bursa in the image

Answer 22

Question 23

What are the movements of the shoulder?

Answer 23

Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation

Question 24

How would you test for a small effusion of the knee?

Answer 24

Bulge sign.

Stroke the medial side of the knee upwards towards the suprapatellar pouch, emptying the medial compartment of fluid. Now stroke the lateral side of the knee downward and see if a bulge appears back on the medial side.

Question 25

Identify the ASIS in the image

Answer 25

Question 26

What weakness is the Trendelenburg Gait most commonly associated with?

Answer 26

Abductor weakness

Question 27

Which nerve is the most likely to be damaged by a shoulder injury?

Answer 27

Axillary nerve

Question 28

How would a leg that has a fractured neck of femur (#NoF) appear?

Answer 28

Shortened Externally rotated

Question 29

What are common signs/symptoms of a meniscal tear?

Answer 29

Pain, joint line tenderness, effusion, history of locking or giving way

Question 30

Which test would you do for a medium size effusion and how would you do it?

Answer 30

Patella tap test.

Slide your hand down the patient’s thigh, compressing the suprapatellar pouch, forcing excess fluid behind the patella. With your other hand, press down gently with 2 or 3 fingers to see if the patella bounces or taps the femur behind.

Question 31

Damage to which nerve can cause foot drop?

Answer 31

Peroneal nerve

Question 32

Which 2 muscles are responsible for external rotation of the shoulder?

Answer 32

Infraspinatus and teres minor

Question 33

Which four muscles make up the rotator cuff?

Answer 33

Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis

Question 34

What might posterior sag of the tibia indicate?

Answer 34

A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear

Question 35

Which joint is shown here?

Answer 35

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ)

Question 36

Which sensory area of the shoulder is innervated by the axillary nerve?

Answer 36

Lateral aspect of the upper arm (the regimental badge area).

Question 37

Which nerve or nerves are most likely to be affected by problems with the hip?

Answer 37

Sciatic and femoral