ABFAS Patient Assessment and Evaluation 3

Question 1

Which radiographic parameter is used to quantify the severity of hallux valgus on a weight-bearing AP foot radiograph?

Accepted Answer

Hallux abductus angle

Answer

The hallux abductus angle, measured between the longitudinal axes of the first metatarsal and proximal phalanx, quantifies hallux valgus deformity on AP view.

Question 2

During the Coleman block test, placing a 1-inch block under the lateral forefoot of a patient with a cavovarus deformity reveals a flexible hindfoot varus. What does this finding indicate?

Accepted Answer

The forefoot drives the hindfoot varus and soft tissue correction may suffice

Answer

A flexible hindfoot varus on Coleman block test indicates that forefoot-driven deformity is the primary problem, allowing hindfoot correction with forefoot procedures alone.

Question 3

When interpreting a bone scan for osteomyelitis, which phase is most specific for distinguishing osteomyelitis from soft tissue infection?

Accepted Answer

Delayed static phase

Answer

The delayed static (3-hour) phase shows focal increased uptake in osteomyelitis; combined with flow and blood pool, three-phase positivity is more specific for bone infection.

Question 4

A patient presents with acute gouty arthritis of the first MTP joint. Which laboratory finding would confirm the diagnosis definitively?

Accepted Answer

Negatively birefringent needle-shaped crystals on joint aspiration

Answer

Identification of monosodium urate crystals—needle-shaped and negatively birefringent under polarized light—on synovial fluid analysis is the gold standard for gout diagnosis.

Question 5

A child presents with painless limping and a shortened limb with external rotation deformity. Frog-leg radiographs show medial joint space widening. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Answer

External rotation deformity, limb shortening, and medial joint space widening on frog-leg radiograph are classic findings of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

(ABFAS) American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Practice Test

(ABFAS) American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Practice Test

ABFAS Patient Assessment and Evaluation 3