NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal System 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Normal active knee extension range of motion is approximately:
- 0° (Correct answer)
- 10°
- 15°
- 20°
Correct answer: 0°
Normal knee extension is 0° (full extension), with hyperextension beyond 0° considered hypermobile.
Question 2: Which special test is used to assess the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?
- McMurray test
- Lachman test (Correct answer)
- Valgus stress test
- Apley compression test
Correct answer: Lachman test
The Lachman test is the most sensitive clinical test for ACL integrity, performed with the knee at 20–30° of flexion.
Question 3: A PTA is treating a patient post-total knee arthroplasty. Which motion is typically most restricted early post-op?
- Extension
- Flexion (Correct answer)
- Internal rotation
- External rotation
Correct answer: Flexion
Knee flexion is typically most restricted early after total knee arthroplasty due to swelling, pain, and surgical healing.
Question 4: The Thomas test is used to identify tightness in which muscle group?
- Hamstrings
- Hip abductors
- Hip flexors (Correct answer)
- Hip extensors
Correct answer: Hip flexors
The Thomas test assesses hip flexor tightness by observing if the non-tested leg rises off the table during the test.
Question 5: Which fracture pattern is most common in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures?
- Burst fracture
- Chance fracture
- Wedge compression fracture (Correct answer)
- Jefferson fracture
Correct answer: Wedge compression fracture
Wedge compression fractures are most common in osteoporosis, occurring at the anterior vertebral body.
Question 6: Which ligament is primarily stressed with a valgus force at the knee?
- Posterior cruciate ligament
- Lateral collateral ligament
- Medial collateral ligament (Correct answer)
- Anterior cruciate ligament
Correct answer: Medial collateral ligament
A valgus (medially directed) force stresses the medial collateral ligament on the inside of the knee.
NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal System 2
Normal active knee extension range of motion is approximately: