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Orthopedic Special Tests & Differential Diagnosis Flashcards

7 cards from real CMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Orthopedic Special Tests & Differential Diagnosis flashcards as text

  1. The Hawkins-Kennedy test is performed to assess which condition?

    Answer: Subacromial impingement

    The Hawkins-Kennedy test compresses the supraspinatus tendon under the coracoacromial arch by internally rotating the shoulder at 90° of flexion, making it positive for subacromial impingement.

  2. A positive Phalen's test—wrist flexion held for 60 seconds reproducing paresthesia in the thumb, index, and middle fingers—most strongly indicates:

    Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome

    Phalen's test increases pressure within the carpal tunnel, reproducing median nerve compression symptoms characteristic of carpal tunnel syndrome.

  3. Speed's test (resisted shoulder flexion with elbow extended and forearm supinated) is most specific for pathology of the:

    Answer: Long head of the biceps tendon

    Speed's test stresses the long head of the biceps tendon at the bicipital groove; anterior shoulder pain reproduced at that site indicates biceps tendinopathy.

  4. A positive Tinel's sign elicited by tapping posterior to the medial epicondyle most likely indicates:

    Answer: Ulnar nerve entrapment at the cubital tunnel

    Tapping over the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel posterior to the medial epicondyle produces tingling in the ring and small fingers, indicating cubital tunnel syndrome.

  5. Adson's test is most appropriate for screening which condition?

    Answer: Thoracic outlet syndrome

    Adson's test assesses neurovascular compression at the thoracic outlet by monitoring the radial pulse during ipsilateral head rotation and neck extension to evaluate for subclavian artery or brachial plexus compromise.

  6. The O'Brien (Active Compression) test differentiates between which two conditions based on symptom location?

    Answer: SLAP lesions and AC joint pathology

    Pain deep in the joint when the arm is pronated that decreases in supination indicates a SLAP lesion, while pain on top of the shoulder suggests AC joint pathology.

  7. A positive Finkelstein's test—pain with passive ulnar deviation of the wrist while the thumb is held in the palm—indicates:

    Answer: De Quervain's tenosynovitis

    Finkelstein's test stretches the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons within the first dorsal compartment, reproducing pain characteristic of De Quervain's tenosynovitis.