PC Treatment Planning & Management 3

Question 1

A patient with Type 2 diabetes has an ABI of 0.55 and a non-healing plantar ulcer. What is the next most critical step in treatment planning?

Accepted Answer

Refer for vascular evaluation and possible revascularization

Answer

An ABI of 0.55 indicates moderate-to-severe peripheral arterial disease; revascularization assessment is critical before other wound care strategies can succeed.

Question 2

In planning surgical correction of a flexible hammertoe at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), which procedure is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

PIPJ arthrodesis with K-wire fixation

Answer

For a flexible hammertoe with an acceptable long-term outcome goal, PIPJ arthrodesis with K-wire fixation corrects the deformity rigidly and has lower recurrence than arthroplasty.

Question 3

Which total contact cast (TCC) application principle is most important to prevent iatrogenic ulceration in a neuropathic patient?

Accepted Answer

Using stockinette and felt padding to protect bony prominences before casting

Answer

Stockinette and felt padding over malleoli, metatarsal heads, and other bony prominences redistribute pressure and prevent cast-induced skin breakdown in insensate patients.

Question 4

A patient with gout has a first MPJ with acute swelling, erythema, and crystals confirmed on aspiration. Initial treatment should be:

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroid injection into the joint, oral colchicine or NSAIDs, and activity rest

Answer

Acute gout is managed with anti-inflammatory therapy (colchicine, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids) and joint rest; urate-lowering agents should not be initiated during an acute attack as they can prolong inflammation.

Question 5

When planning a calcaneal osteotomy for symptomatic adult-acquired flatfoot, a medializing calcaneal osteotomy (Koutsogiannis) achieves correction by:

Accepted Answer

Shifting the calcaneal tuberosity medially to realign the Achilles pull under the tibia

Answer

The medializing calcaneal osteotomy shifts the weight-bearing axis of the Achilles tendon medially, reducing valgus stress on the PTT and correcting hindfoot valgus.

(PC) Podiatrist Certification Practice Test

(PC) Podiatrist Certification Practice Test

PC Treatment Planning & Management 3