MPT Clinical Examination and Differential Diagnosis

Question 1

A positive Spurling test (foraminal compression test) is most indicative of:

Accepted Answer

Cervical nerve root compression

Answer

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Answer

Vertebral artery insufficiency

Answer

Cervical facet syndrome

Question 2

Which special test is used to assess the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)?

Accepted Answer

Posterior drawer test

Answer

Lachman test

Answer

Anterior drawer test

Answer

McMurray test

Question 3

A patient presents with progressive weakness and atrophy of intrinsic hand muscles bilaterally, spastic legs, and hyperreflexia. This clinical picture is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Cervical myelopathy

Answer

Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer

Peripheral polyneuropathy

Answer

Lateral epicondylitis

Question 4

The FABER test (Flexion, ABduction, External Rotation) reproduces groin or hip pain. This finding is most suggestive of:

Accepted Answer

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or hip joint pathology

Answer

Femoral nerve entrapment

Answer

Piriformis syndrome

Answer

Patellar tracking dysfunction

Question 5

During a sensory examination, the patient cannot distinguish between a sharp and dull stimulus but accurately identifies light touch. This finding indicates dysfunction of which sensory pathway?

Accepted Answer

Spinothalamic tract (anterolateral system)

Answer

Dorsal column (posterior funiculus)

Answer

Dorsal spinocerebellar tract

Answer

Corticospinal tract

Question 6

A patient presents with shoulder pain reproduced by the Hawkins-Kennedy test. This test most specifically assesses for:

Accepted Answer

Subacromial impingement (supraspinatus or subacromial bursa compression)

Answer

Acromioclavicular joint sprain

Answer

Bicipital tendinopathy

Answer

Posterior glenohumeral instability