EXSS 288 UNC Final Exam Study Guide
2026: Sports Medicine Injury & Rehab
Review with Practice Questions & Answers
Description:
Struggling to prepare for your EXSS 288 Sports Medicine final exam at UNC? This
comprehensive 2026 study guide provides exactly what you’re searching for: a targeted review
of key musculoskeletal injuries, anatomy, emergency protocols, and rehabilitation
principles straight from the UNC course curriculum. Inside, you’ll find practice exam
questions with detailed explanations covering patellar tendon conditions, hip and femoral
fractures, shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff pathologies, and sports-specific injury
management.
Whether you're reviewing Osgood-Schlatter disease, femoral neck fractures, ACL injuries,
or exertional heat stroke protocols, this resource is structured to help you test your
knowledge, understand complex concepts, and identify weak spots before exam day. Perfect
for UNC Chapel Hill EXSS majors, athletic training students, and kinesiology
undergrads looking for a reliable, course-specific review tool.
Don’t just study—study smart. Download the ultimate EXSS 288 final exam prep guide now and
walk into your test with confidence!
, EXSS 288 Final Exam: Sports Injury Assessment & Rehabilitation
Questions & Answers 2026
Section 1: Patellar Region & Knee-Related Conditions
1. A 16-year-old basketball player presents with chronic pain and tenderness localized to the
inferior pole of the patella. The condition began gradually and worsens with activities involving
jumping and landing. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Osgood-Schlatter Disease
b) Iliotibial Band Syndrome
c) Larsen-Johansson Disease
d) Patellar Tendon Rupture
Answer: c) Larsen-Johansson Disease
Explanation: Larsen-Johansson disease involves excessive traction stress on the inferior pole of
the patella (the patellar tendon origin) during adolescence. It is commonly associated with
repetitive jumping, running on inclines, or overtraining in sports requiring explosive lower-body
movements, aligning with the patient's symptoms and activity profile.
2. Which overuse injury is characterized by inflammation of the proximal tibia at the site of the
patellar tendon insertion, commonly resulting in a palpable bony prominence in active
adolescents?
a) Jumper's Knee (Chronic Tendinopathy)
b) Osgood-Schlatter Disease
c) Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
d) Prepatellar Bursitis
Answer: b) Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Explanation: Osgood-Schlatter disease is an apophysitis affecting the tibial tuberosity. It results
from repetitive traction by the patellar tendon during periods of rapid skeletal growth, leading to
inflammation, micro-avulsions, and often the formation of a visible and tender bony bump.
, 3. A runner complains of sharp, burning lateral knee pain that occurs predictably at the same point
in their running stride. Examination reveals tenderness over Gerdy's tubercle. Which condition is
most probable?
a) Patellar Subluxation
b) Meniscal Tear
c) Iliotibial Band Syndrome
d) Popliteus Tendinopathy
Answer: c) Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Explanation: Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury in runners caused by
friction of the iliotibial band as it slides over the lateral femoral epicondyle, with pain often
localizing near its distal insertion at Gerdy's tubercle on the tibia. Structural factors like genu
varum (bowleggedness) can predispose individuals to this condition.
Section 2: Pelvis, Hip, and Proximal Femur
4. During a sideline evaluation, you observe an athlete who has sustained a hip injury. Their injured
limb appears shortened and is held in a position of external rotation, and they cannot actively
rotate it inward. What is the most immediate concern?
a) Trochanteric Bursitis
b) Femoral Neck Fracture
c) Adductor Strain
d) Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Answer: b) Femoral Neck Fracture
Explanation: A femoral neck fracture is an orthopedic emergency. The classic presentation
includes a shortened and externally rotated lower extremity due to the pull of muscles like the
iliopsoas. This injury carries a significant risk for complications such as avascular necrosis of the
femoral head and requires immediate surgical consultation.
2026: Sports Medicine Injury & Rehab
Review with Practice Questions & Answers
Description:
Struggling to prepare for your EXSS 288 Sports Medicine final exam at UNC? This
comprehensive 2026 study guide provides exactly what you’re searching for: a targeted review
of key musculoskeletal injuries, anatomy, emergency protocols, and rehabilitation
principles straight from the UNC course curriculum. Inside, you’ll find practice exam
questions with detailed explanations covering patellar tendon conditions, hip and femoral
fractures, shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff pathologies, and sports-specific injury
management.
Whether you're reviewing Osgood-Schlatter disease, femoral neck fractures, ACL injuries,
or exertional heat stroke protocols, this resource is structured to help you test your
knowledge, understand complex concepts, and identify weak spots before exam day. Perfect
for UNC Chapel Hill EXSS majors, athletic training students, and kinesiology
undergrads looking for a reliable, course-specific review tool.
Don’t just study—study smart. Download the ultimate EXSS 288 final exam prep guide now and
walk into your test with confidence!
, EXSS 288 Final Exam: Sports Injury Assessment & Rehabilitation
Questions & Answers 2026
Section 1: Patellar Region & Knee-Related Conditions
1. A 16-year-old basketball player presents with chronic pain and tenderness localized to the
inferior pole of the patella. The condition began gradually and worsens with activities involving
jumping and landing. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Osgood-Schlatter Disease
b) Iliotibial Band Syndrome
c) Larsen-Johansson Disease
d) Patellar Tendon Rupture
Answer: c) Larsen-Johansson Disease
Explanation: Larsen-Johansson disease involves excessive traction stress on the inferior pole of
the patella (the patellar tendon origin) during adolescence. It is commonly associated with
repetitive jumping, running on inclines, or overtraining in sports requiring explosive lower-body
movements, aligning with the patient's symptoms and activity profile.
2. Which overuse injury is characterized by inflammation of the proximal tibia at the site of the
patellar tendon insertion, commonly resulting in a palpable bony prominence in active
adolescents?
a) Jumper's Knee (Chronic Tendinopathy)
b) Osgood-Schlatter Disease
c) Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
d) Prepatellar Bursitis
Answer: b) Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Explanation: Osgood-Schlatter disease is an apophysitis affecting the tibial tuberosity. It results
from repetitive traction by the patellar tendon during periods of rapid skeletal growth, leading to
inflammation, micro-avulsions, and often the formation of a visible and tender bony bump.
, 3. A runner complains of sharp, burning lateral knee pain that occurs predictably at the same point
in their running stride. Examination reveals tenderness over Gerdy's tubercle. Which condition is
most probable?
a) Patellar Subluxation
b) Meniscal Tear
c) Iliotibial Band Syndrome
d) Popliteus Tendinopathy
Answer: c) Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Explanation: Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury in runners caused by
friction of the iliotibial band as it slides over the lateral femoral epicondyle, with pain often
localizing near its distal insertion at Gerdy's tubercle on the tibia. Structural factors like genu
varum (bowleggedness) can predispose individuals to this condition.
Section 2: Pelvis, Hip, and Proximal Femur
4. During a sideline evaluation, you observe an athlete who has sustained a hip injury. Their injured
limb appears shortened and is held in a position of external rotation, and they cannot actively
rotate it inward. What is the most immediate concern?
a) Trochanteric Bursitis
b) Femoral Neck Fracture
c) Adductor Strain
d) Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Answer: b) Femoral Neck Fracture
Explanation: A femoral neck fracture is an orthopedic emergency. The classic presentation
includes a shortened and externally rotated lower extremity due to the pull of muscles like the
iliopsoas. This injury carries a significant risk for complications such as avascular necrosis of the
femoral head and requires immediate surgical consultation.
