Clinical Examination and Differential Diagnosis Flashcards
6 cards from real MPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Clinical Examination and Differential Diagnosis flashcards as text
A positive apprehension test for the shoulder with the arm at 90 degrees abduction and external rotation indicates:
Answer: Anterior glenohumeral instability
The anterior apprehension test reproduces the feeling of the shoulder going out (apprehension) when placed in the position of anterior dislocation (90 degrees abduction plus full external rotation), confirming anterior glenohumeral instability.
Ober test assesses tightness of which structure?
Answer: Iliotibial band and tensor fasciae latae
Ober test assesses iliotibial band (ITB) and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) flexibility by testing whether the hip can adduct from a side-lying position with the knee flexed.
Which test is used to assess vertebral artery insufficiency before cervical manipulation?
Answer: Vertebral artery test (sustained end-range extension-rotation)
The vertebral artery (or VBI) test involves sustained end-range cervical extension-rotation to assess for vertebrobasilar insufficiency symptoms (dizziness, nystagmus, diplopia) indicating vascular compromise.
A patient presents with weakness in wrist extension, finger extension, and thumb extension following a humeral shaft fracture. The nerve most likely damaged is:
Answer: Radial nerve (posterior interosseous branch)
Radial nerve palsy (at the mid-humerus) produces weakness of wrist, finger, and thumb extension (posterior interosseous nerve distribution), with wrist drop being the classic presentation.
The Lachman test is preferred over the anterior drawer test for detecting ACL insufficiency because:
Answer: At 20-30 degrees flexion, hamstring guarding and posterior capsule tension are minimized, improving sensitivity
The Lachman test at 20-30 degrees knee flexion has greater sensitivity than the anterior drawer (90 degrees flexion) because the posterior capsule and hamstrings are relaxed, allowing clearer anterior tibial translation.
Which bedside test is used to screen for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) affecting the posterior semicircular canal?
Answer: Dix-Hallpike test
The Dix-Hallpike test is the gold standard for diagnosing posterior canal BPPV. A positive result shows geotropic torsional nystagmus with a latency of seconds and fatigability, reproduced by the provoking head position.