Musculoskeletal System Examination Flashcards

The capsular pattern of the glenohumeral joint is restriction in which order of movements?

Answer: External rotation > Abduction > Internal rotation

The glenohumeral capsular pattern as described by Cyriax is greatest restriction in external rotation, followed by abduction, then internal rotation.

A patient demonstrates weakness in toe extension (hallux) and foot drop. Which nerve is most likely injured?

Answer: Common peroneal nerve (deep branch)

The deep peroneal (fibular) nerve innervates the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus; injury causes foot drop and inability to extend the great toe.

During the scapular winging test, medial scapular winging during a wall push-up is caused by weakness of which muscle?

Answer: Serratus anterior

Serratus anterior weakness (long thoracic nerve palsy) causes medial scapular winging during pushing activities as the medial border lifts off the thorax.

Which of the following BEST describes the end-feel of a normal elbow extension?

Answer: Hard (bony)

Normal elbow extension has a hard/bony end-feel due to the olecranon process contacting the olecranon fossa, abruptly stopping motion.

Which test differentiates between lumbar spinal stenosis and vascular claudication?

Answer: Bicycle test (van Gelderen's test)

The bicycle test differentiates neurogenic (spinal stenosis) from vascular claudication: symptoms with upright cycling but relief with forward-flexed cycling suggest neurogenic origin.

A patient with SLAP (superior labrum anterior to posterior) tear would most likely test positive on which examination?

Answer: Speed's test and O'Brien's active compression test

Speed's test (resisted shoulder flexion with elbow extended) and O'Brien's test are commonly positive with SLAP lesions involving the biceps anchor.

In a patient with Achilles tendinopathy, which clinical finding would indicate a chronic degenerative (tendinosis) pattern rather than acute reactive tendinopathy?

Answer: Nodular thickening and pain mid-tendon with load

Nodular mid-tendon thickening and load-dependent pain are characteristic of chronic tendinosis (degenerative collagen disarray) rather than acute reactive changes.