Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Musculoskeletal System Disorders 2

Question 1

A 16-year-old male presents with knee pain after a twisting injury during basketball. Exam shows a positive Lachman test and anterior drawer sign. What structure is most likely injured?

Accepted Answer

Anterior cruciate ligament

Answer

The Lachman test and anterior drawer sign both assess anterior tibial translation and are positive with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

Question 2

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of which nerve?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, causing numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger.

Question 3

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial imaging study for a patient with suspected osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

DEXA scan

Answer

DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density and diagnosing osteoporosis.

Question 4

A patient presents with pain and swelling over the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, worsened by wrist extension and gripping. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Answer

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) involves overuse of the forearm extensor muscles, causing pain at the lateral epicondyle worsened by wrist extension and gripping.

Question 5

A T-score of -2.8 on DEXA scan indicates which diagnosis according to WHO criteria?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

A T-score of -2.5 or below indicates osteoporosis per WHO criteria; a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia.

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Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Musculoskeletal System Disorders 2