Question Easy: A 25-year-old runner presents with knee pain after increasing her running distance. She describes the pain as being around her kneecap, especially when going down stairs. What’s the most likely diagnosis? 🏃♀️
A) Meniscal Tear
B) Iliotibial Band Syndrome
C) Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
D) Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
E) Osteoarthritis
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C) Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Question Easy Explanation: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, also known as “runner’s knee,” commonly occurs in young athletes. It is characterized by anterior knee pain that worsens with activities that load the knee, such as descending stairs, squatting, or running. NICE guidelines recommend activity modification and physiotherapy as primary interventions.
Question Medium: A 52-year-old postmenopausal woman presents with sudden onset of severe lower back pain after slipping in her kitchen. X-rays reveal a vertebral fracture. Which condition is most likely responsible for her presentation? 🦴
A) Osteomalacia
B) Rheumatoid Arthritis
C) Osteoporosis
D) Paget’s Disease
E) Metastatic Bone Disease
Explanations & Answers:
Question Medium Answer: C) Osteoporosis
Question Medium Explanation: The sudden onset of back pain after a trivial fall in a postmenopausal woman suggests a fragility fracture due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. NICE guidelines recommend a bone density scan to confirm the diagnosis, with lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy including bisphosphonates often used in management.
Question Hard: A 35-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of lower back pain that improves with exercise but is worse in the morning. He also reports stiffness lasting over an hour each morning. What is the most likely diagnosis? 🌅
A) Lumbar Disc Herniation
B) Ankylosing Spondylitis
C) Degenerative Disc Disease
D) Fibromyalgia
E) Sciatica
Explanations & Answers:
Question Hard Answer: B) Ankylosing Spondylitis
Question Hard Explanation: Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that predominantly affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The symptom pattern of morning stiffness and improvement with exercise, typical in a young man, points towards a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. NICE guidelines suggest imaging and referral to a rheumatologist for confirmation and management.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that Vitamin D plays a crucial role in musculoskeletal health, and its deficiency is linked with increased risk of fractures? The NHS emphasizes the importance of adequate sunlight exposure and dietary intake to maintain optimal levels.
Quote of the day: “In the heart of every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and healing. As healthcare workers, we hold the beacon of hope and compassion. 🌟”