ATC Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a dermatome assessment, an athlete reports loss of sensation along the lateral forearm and thumb. Which nerve root is most likely involved?
- C5
- C6 (Correct answer)
- C7
- C8
Correct answer: C6
The C6 dermatome covers the lateral forearm, thumb, and index finger.
Question 2: A positive Ober test indicates tightness of which structure?
- Hip flexor
- Iliotibial band (Correct answer)
- Hamstring
- Piriformis
Correct answer: Iliotibial band
The Ober test assesses iliotibial band and tensor fasciae latae tightness by lowering the leg in a sidelying position.
Question 3: Which special test is used to evaluate for a SLAP lesion of the shoulder?
- Speed's test
- O'Brien active compression test (Correct answer)
- Yergason's test
- Hawkins-Kennedy test
Correct answer: O'Brien active compression test
The O'Brien active compression test is specifically designed to detect SLAP lesions and AC joint pathology.
Question 4: A basketball player presents with acute knee swelling within 2 hours of injury. This hemarthrosis most commonly suggests injury to which structure?
- Medial meniscus
- Lateral collateral ligament
- Anterior cruciate ligament (Correct answer)
- Posterior capsule
Correct answer: Anterior cruciate ligament
Rapid hemarthrosis (within 1–2 hours) is the hallmark of ACL tears due to disruption of the middle geniculate artery.
Question 5: When assessing acute low back pain, which finding would most warrant immediate referral to a physician?
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (Correct answer)
- Bilateral hamstring tightness
- Pain relieved by walking
Correct answer: Loss of bowel or bladder control
Loss of bowel or bladder control suggests cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency requiring immediate referral.
Question 6: The Thomas test is used to assess flexibility of which muscle group?
- Gluteus maximus
- Hip flexors (Correct answer)
- Quadriceps
- Adductors
Correct answer: Hip flexors
The Thomas test evaluates hip flexor tightness, particularly the iliopsoas and rectus femoris.
Question 7: An athlete demonstrates a positive Lachman test but a negative anterior drawer test. What is the most likely explanation?
- Posterior cruciate ligament tear
- Hamstring guarding limits the anterior drawer (Correct answer)
- Meniscal tear blocking translation
- Lateral collateral ligament injury
Correct answer: Hamstring guarding limits the anterior drawer
At 90° of knee flexion, hamstring contraction can mask ACL laxity, making the Lachman at 20–30° more sensitive.
ATC Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis 2
During a dermatome assessment, an athlete reports loss of sensation along the lateral forearm and thumb.
Which nerve root is most likely involved?