Orthopaedics & MSK — Flashcards

Flashcard 361: Function of the _____ may be assessed by testing resisted external rotation of the shoulder.

Answer: infraspinatus

Extra: The infraspinatus is one of the four rotator cuff muscles. Its primary action is external rotation of the humerus. It is innervated by the suprascapular nerve (C5-C6).

Flashcard 362: The initial (first-line) investigation for suspected ACL injuries is _____ to rule out fractures.

Answer: X-ray

Flashcard 363: **Painful Arc Test** 1. Passive abduction of patient's arm to _____° 2. Patient asked to lower their arm slowly Pain at 120-180° indicates Acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathology Pain at 60-120° indicates Subacromial impingement (e.g., Supraspinatus tendinitis)

Answer: 180

Extra: The arc between 120° and 180° is often referred to as the 'high painful arc' and is specifically associated with the AC joint. The mid-arc (60-120°) corresponds to the space under the acromion where the rotator cuff (supraspinatus) and bursa are compressed.

Flashcard 364: What is the management for an **acute/traumatic** suspected rotator cuff tear? _____

Answer: Refer urgently (2 week pathway) for surgical review

Extra: Acute traumatic tears (especially in symbols/younger patients) warrant urgent surgical assessment to prevent functional loss and fatty infiltration of the muscle. Chronic/degenerative tears are usually managed with physiotherapy first.

Flashcard 365: Initial investigation for a suspected meniscal tear: _____ (to rule out bony pathology).

Answer: X-ray knee

Extra: In clinical orthopaedics, the "initial" investigation refers to the first test performed (X-ray), while the "investigation of choice" or "gold standard" is MRI.

Flashcard 366: The _____ test is performed by:\n1) Full flexion of the knee\n2) Rotation of the tibia (Internal for lateral meniscus, External for medial)\n3) Followed by extension of the knee while maintaining valgus/varus stress.

Answer: McMurray

Flashcard 367: What is the most common causative organism in septic bursitis? _____

Answer: Staphylococcus aureus

Flashcard 368: What is the likely diagnosis in a 25-year-old man who presents with an inversion injury of his right ankle that occurred during a basketball game? His ankle is swollen, but he is able to bear weight and has no focal tenderness or ligament laxity. _____

Answer: Ankle sprain

Flashcard 369: _____ bursitis is commonly seen in runners and typically presents with anteromedial knee pain

Answer: Pes anserine

Flashcard 370: What is the typical first-line imaging for sprains & strains if needed? _____

Answer: X-ray; to rule out a fracture or other complication