ABFM Musculoskeletal Exam Questions
with correct Answers 2025/2026 A+
Graded 100% Verified
Most effective medication for fibromyalgia? - ANS- TCAs
Proper treatment for Boxer's fracture (fracture of 5th metacarpal head) - ANS- ulnar
gutter splint (immobilizes the wrist, hand and fourth/ fifth digits). Wrist is positioned in
slight extension; x 3-4 weeks of continuous splinting.
If 5th metacarpal >40 degrees, refer for surgical intervention
Goal for vertebral compression fractures? - ANS- early mobilization; no not need to keep
recumbent in bed until back brace is made
Cubital tunnel syndrome risk factors - ANS- having an elbow be bent for long periods of
time (hairdresser) or having damage to elbow or "funny bone".
Sx: similar to carpal tunnel but ulnar distribution, at worst, may start causing weakness
of ring and little finger
Cure rates for trigger finger after steroid injection: - ANS- 54-86% CURED after injection
for this musculoskeletal condition
Which solution for cleansing a pressure ulcer? - ANS- tap water
saline
(nothing else!!)
Which dressing for pressure ulcers? - ANS- non-adherent: hydrocolloid, foam or other
non-adherent dressing
Which therapeutic modality is contraindicated for muscle injuries until the growth plate is
closed? - ANS- Therapeutic ultrasound is C/I on the growth plate. Growth plate closes at
age 15
, First line for gout in patients with CKD IV? - ANS- Steroids only, Colchicine and NSAIDs
not used if renal dysfunction
Which supplements to give at which age for breastfed babies? - ANS- - 400 IU of Vitamin
D per day starting in the first few days of life. Do not need vit D supplementation when
baby is consuming at least 500 cc of formula or milk with Vit D per day
- need to start iron supplementation at 4 months of age
PCL tear symptoms - ANS- posterior knee pain and pain when kneeling; painful
limitation of flexion and posterior drawer sign on exam
Treatment for lateral patellar dislocation: - ANS- medial pressure to patella and then
gently extend knee fully
If a patient presents after a leg injury with exceptionally severe pain that is worse with
stretching the calf muscles, think of ____. Which test to find out? - ANS- Compartment
syndrome clinical presentation?
Tests to confirm compartment syndrome are tissue pressure studies
Where to give corticosteroid injection for rotator cuff tendonitis vs for shoulder
osteoarthritis? - ANS- - Rotator cuff tendonitis steroid injection if pain interfering with
sleep or function despite adequate analgesia, give injection into subacromial space
- Shoulder OA steroid injection into the AC joint (intra-articular)
Mechanism of most common neurological deficit related to Paget's disease? - ANS-
Most common deficit in Paget's disease is hearing loss. Not caused by CN 7
compression but is due to cochlear damage.
Which herbal remedy helpful for joint pain? - ANS- SAMe most helpful (Glucosamine and
chondroitin not as effective)
Alpha lipoic acid and gamma linolenic acid are helpful for: - ANS- neuropathy symptoms
helped with which herbal remedies?
Ottawa Ankle Rules - ANS- Includes:
The examiner should order x-rays when the patient has ankle (within 6 cm of distal,
posterior tibia or fibula) or midfoot pain + (bone tenderness at the base of the 5th
metatarsal OR pain in navicular bone (between heel and ankle) OR is unable to bear
weight (for four steps) when examined)
Little league shoulder refers to: - ANS- proximal humeral epiphysitis (usually seen in
baseball pitchers age 11-16)
Male with normal labs but osteoporosis, think: - ANS- hypotestosteronism
with correct Answers 2025/2026 A+
Graded 100% Verified
Most effective medication for fibromyalgia? - ANS- TCAs
Proper treatment for Boxer's fracture (fracture of 5th metacarpal head) - ANS- ulnar
gutter splint (immobilizes the wrist, hand and fourth/ fifth digits). Wrist is positioned in
slight extension; x 3-4 weeks of continuous splinting.
If 5th metacarpal >40 degrees, refer for surgical intervention
Goal for vertebral compression fractures? - ANS- early mobilization; no not need to keep
recumbent in bed until back brace is made
Cubital tunnel syndrome risk factors - ANS- having an elbow be bent for long periods of
time (hairdresser) or having damage to elbow or "funny bone".
Sx: similar to carpal tunnel but ulnar distribution, at worst, may start causing weakness
of ring and little finger
Cure rates for trigger finger after steroid injection: - ANS- 54-86% CURED after injection
for this musculoskeletal condition
Which solution for cleansing a pressure ulcer? - ANS- tap water
saline
(nothing else!!)
Which dressing for pressure ulcers? - ANS- non-adherent: hydrocolloid, foam or other
non-adherent dressing
Which therapeutic modality is contraindicated for muscle injuries until the growth plate is
closed? - ANS- Therapeutic ultrasound is C/I on the growth plate. Growth plate closes at
age 15
, First line for gout in patients with CKD IV? - ANS- Steroids only, Colchicine and NSAIDs
not used if renal dysfunction
Which supplements to give at which age for breastfed babies? - ANS- - 400 IU of Vitamin
D per day starting in the first few days of life. Do not need vit D supplementation when
baby is consuming at least 500 cc of formula or milk with Vit D per day
- need to start iron supplementation at 4 months of age
PCL tear symptoms - ANS- posterior knee pain and pain when kneeling; painful
limitation of flexion and posterior drawer sign on exam
Treatment for lateral patellar dislocation: - ANS- medial pressure to patella and then
gently extend knee fully
If a patient presents after a leg injury with exceptionally severe pain that is worse with
stretching the calf muscles, think of ____. Which test to find out? - ANS- Compartment
syndrome clinical presentation?
Tests to confirm compartment syndrome are tissue pressure studies
Where to give corticosteroid injection for rotator cuff tendonitis vs for shoulder
osteoarthritis? - ANS- - Rotator cuff tendonitis steroid injection if pain interfering with
sleep or function despite adequate analgesia, give injection into subacromial space
- Shoulder OA steroid injection into the AC joint (intra-articular)
Mechanism of most common neurological deficit related to Paget's disease? - ANS-
Most common deficit in Paget's disease is hearing loss. Not caused by CN 7
compression but is due to cochlear damage.
Which herbal remedy helpful for joint pain? - ANS- SAMe most helpful (Glucosamine and
chondroitin not as effective)
Alpha lipoic acid and gamma linolenic acid are helpful for: - ANS- neuropathy symptoms
helped with which herbal remedies?
Ottawa Ankle Rules - ANS- Includes:
The examiner should order x-rays when the patient has ankle (within 6 cm of distal,
posterior tibia or fibula) or midfoot pain + (bone tenderness at the base of the 5th
metatarsal OR pain in navicular bone (between heel and ankle) OR is unable to bear
weight (for four steps) when examined)
Little league shoulder refers to: - ANS- proximal humeral epiphysitis (usually seen in
baseball pitchers age 11-16)
Male with normal labs but osteoporosis, think: - ANS- hypotestosteronism
