Question Easy:
🦵 A 26-year-old football player comes into the clinic after feeling a pop in his knee during a match. He is unable to continue playing and notes swelling and instability in his knee. What is the most likely structure injured?
A) Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
B) Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
C) Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
D) Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
E) Patellar tendon
Question Medium:
A 70-year-old woman presents with shoulder pain and difficulty elevating her arm above her head. On examination, there is limitation of both active and passive range of motion of the shoulder joint. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Rotator cuff tear
B) Adhesive capsulitis
C) Osteoarthritis
D) Subacromial impingement syndrome
E) Bursitis
Question Hard:
An 8-year-old boy is brought in by his parents to the GP with complaints of a painless limp and limited range of hip motion. There is no history of trauma. X-ray of the pelvis shows sclerosis and flattening of the femoral head. Which of the following conditions is most consistent with this presentation?
A) Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
B) Developmental dysplasia of the hip
C) Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
D) Transient synovitis
E) Septic arthritis
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: A) Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Question Easy Explanation: The “pop” sound, swelling, and instability are classic signs of an ACL injury, particularly common in athletes engaged in sports like football that involve sudden stops and turns.
Question Medium Answer: B) Adhesive capsulitis
Question Medium Explanation: Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint with both active and passive movements being restricted, often without a clear traumatic cause.
Question Hard Answer: C) Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Question Hard Explanation: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is commonly seen in children and presents with a painless limp and hip inflammation. X-ray findings of sclerosis and flattening of the femoral head are indicative of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, matching this condition.
Medical fact of the day: The synovial fluid within joints acts not only as a lubricant but also nourishes the cartilage and absorbs shock, which is crucial for maintaining joint health and function. This makes it especially important in load-bearing joints like the knees and hips. 🦵
Quote of the day: “In every moment of despair, there lies a seed of hope; for each life a healthcare worker touches, ripples of healing spread beyond measure.”