ATC Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A positive McMurray test that produces a click with pain during external rotation and extension most likely indicates injury to which structure?
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Medial meniscus (Correct answer)
- Lateral meniscus
- Patellar tendon
Correct answer: Medial meniscus
External rotation during McMurray test stresses the medial meniscus, and a click with pain indicates a medial meniscal tear.
Question 2: During a neurological screen, an athlete has weakness in wrist extension and elbow extension. Which nerve root level is most likely compromised?
- C5
- C6
- C7 (Correct answer)
- T1
Correct answer: C7
C7 is the primary nerve root for wrist extensors and triceps (elbow extension).
Question 3: Which assessment tool is used to evaluate postural stability and vestibular function in athletes following concussion?
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) (Correct answer)
- Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC)
- Maddocks questions
Correct answer: Balance Error Scoring System (BESS)
The BESS assesses postural stability on firm and foam surfaces with eyes closed, sensitive to concussion-related vestibular impairment.
Question 4: An athlete presents with lateral elbow pain reproduced by resisted wrist extension. Which structure is most likely involved?
- Ulnar collateral ligament
- Medial epicondyle
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis (Correct answer)
- Flexor carpi ulnaris
Correct answer: Extensor carpi radialis brevis
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) primarily involves the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon origin.
Question 5: A positive Finkelstein test indicates pathology of which structure?
- Extensor digitorum tendon
- Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis (Correct answer)
- Flexor carpi radialis
- Extensor carpi ulnaris
Correct answer: Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis
Finkelstein test provokes pain in De Quervain tenosynovitis by stretching the first dorsal compartment tendons.
Question 6: When evaluating shoulder impingement, which position during the Hawkins-Kennedy test maximally stresses the supraspinatus?
- 90° abduction, full external rotation
- 90° forward flexion, internal rotation (Correct answer)
- 0° abduction, internal rotation
- Full elevation, external rotation
Correct answer: 90° forward flexion, internal rotation
The Hawkins-Kennedy test places the shoulder at 90° forward flexion and applies internal rotation to compress the supraspinatus under the coracoacromial arch.
Question 7: Which observation during gait assessment suggests weak hip abductors on the stance leg?
- Trendelenburg sign (Correct answer)
- Antalgic gait
- Steppage gait
- Scissor gait
Correct answer: Trendelenburg sign
The Trendelenburg sign is a contralateral pelvic drop during single-leg stance, indicating weakness of the ipsilateral hip abductors.
ATC Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis 3
A positive McMurray test that produces a click with pain during external rotation and extension most likely indicates injury to which structure?