Orthopaedic Technologist Certification Flashcards

Which orthotic device is specifically designed to limit dorsiflexion and plantarflexion while allowing mediolateral motion?

Answer: Hinged AFO with limited motion stops

A hinged AFO with adjustable stops can be set to restrict sagittal plane motion (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion) while leaving coronal plane motion unrestricted.

Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome is a branch of which nerve?

Answer: Median nerve

The anterior interosseous nerve is a motor branch of the median nerve that innervates the FPL, FDP to the index and middle fingers, and pronator quadratus.

Which assessment tool uses a 0-10 numerical scale and is considered appropriate for adult patients who can communicate verbally?

Answer: Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) asks patients to rate pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable), making it ideal for verbal adults.

A patient with a cast reports tingling and numbness in the fingertips shortly after application. The FIRST action by the OT should be:

Answer: Bivalve or split the cast and notify the physician

New onset paresthesias after casting may indicate neurovascular compromise; bivalving relieves pressure immediately and physician notification is mandatory.

The 'gravity stress test' radiograph is used to assess ligamentous stability of which joint?

Answer: Elbow

The gravity stress view of the elbow is used in suspected lateral condyle fractures in children to evaluate whether the fracture is stable or unstable.

When educating a patient about cast care, which instruction regarding moisture is correct?

Answer: Plaster casts must be kept dry; fiberglass casts may be waterproof if lined with Gore-Tex

Plaster casts are weakened by moisture, while fiberglass casts with a waterproof liner (e.g., Gore-Tex padding) can safely get wet.

Which of the following best describes the role of an Orthopaedic Technologist relative to physician supervision?

Answer: OTs perform technical tasks under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician

Orthopaedic Technologists are trained to perform technical orthopedic procedures but always work under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician.