Back Pain Back Pain Diagnosis and Imaging

Question 1

Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for evaluating soft tissue structures in back pain?

Accepted Answer

MRI

Answer

MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast and is the preferred modality for evaluating discs, nerves, and spinal cord.

Question 2

A positive straight leg raise (SLR) test at less than 60° is most suggestive of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar nerve root compression

Answer

A positive SLR at <60° indicates tension or compression of a lumbar nerve root, most often from disc herniation.

Question 3

Which red flag symptom in back pain warrants immediate evaluation for cauda equina syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Bladder or bowel dysfunction

Answer

Bladder or bowel dysfunction is a red flag for cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency requiring urgent MRI.

Question 4

When is plain X-ray most useful in the workup of low back pain?

Accepted Answer

Ruling out fracture, tumor, or infection

Answer

Plain X-rays are best for detecting bony abnormalities such as vertebral fractures, lytic lesions, or signs of infection.

Question 5

The Patrick (FABER) test is used to assess pain arising from which structure?

Accepted Answer

Hip joint or sacroiliac joint

Answer

The FABER test (Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation) provokes pain from the hip joint or SI joint when positive.

Back Pain Practice Test