Strains, Dislocations, Fractures, Ligament and Tendon Injuries, Trigger
Finger, Tenosynovitis, Ganglion Cysts, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis,
Shoulder, Elbow, Knee, Hip, Ankle, Achilles Tendon, Plantar Fasciitis, Low
Back Pain, Lumbar Strain, Radiculopathy, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Lordosis,
Cervical Spine Injuries, Vertebral Fractures, Neck Pain, Radiculopathy,
Occipital Neuralgia, Neurological Assessment, Ottawa Rules, Diagnostic
Imaging, Conservative and Surgical Management, Patient Education,
Rehabilitation Protocols Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Sprain
Tearing of ligament
First degree: microscopic tear, due to overstretching of ligaments
Second degree: incomplete tear with some functional impairment
Third degree: difficulty with weight bearing, complete rupture of the ligament
Edema, discoloration, pain with movement
Strain
Overstretching of muscles
Local pain, swelling
Dislocation
Bone is displaced at the joint
,Fracture
Break in the bone
Closed or open
Pinpoint pain
May be discoloration, swelling, decreased range of motion
Sprains, strains, fractures
Physical examination: Examine joint above and below injury; Circulatory, motor and sensory function
must be assessed
Palpation for laxity
Diagnostics: X ray
Management: If negative for fracture: RICE (ice 20-min intervals as often as tolerated, elevate above
heart for 24 hours); NSAIDS
if positive for fx: most require referral to ortho
Trigger finger
Painful locking or triggering during extension
Most commonly involves middle or ring finger
PE: finger fully flexed; pop felt as tendon slides back through affected pulley; palpable tender nodule at
base of affected digit
Diagnostics: not indicated
Management: immediate ortho referral if finger cannot be passively extended; NSAIDs; thumb spica;
ortho referral if no improvement
, Tenosynovitis (De Quervain)
Inflammation of tendon & its sheath (base of thumb)
Occupation that requires repetitive wrist or thumb movement
New parents
Pain with ulnar deviation under stress - Pouring from a pitcher
PE: may be visible nodule at radial base of thumb, +finkelstein test
Diagnostics: x ray to exclude fracture or arthritis
Diagnostics: x ray to exclude fracture or arthritis
Management: Ice, NSAIDs, continuous immobilization in padded gutter split; cortisone injection; ortho
referral if no imporvement
Ganglion cysts
Soft tissue lesions filled with fluid; can change over time
Common locations: dorsal carpal & volar surface
Unknown cause; pain, weakness & bone changes can occur
PE: smooth, rubbery; numbness and tingling may be present if compression of nerve
Diagnostics: ultrasound or MRI
Management: referral to ortho
Carpal tunnel
Medial nerve compressed in wrist
Gradual symptoms and most commonly present at night
Tingling and numbness
Painful
Occasional pain extending to forearm and shoulder
PE: +phalen/tinel
Diagnostics: x ray may be indicated, EMG to eval conductive nerve study