Question Easy:
A 23-year-old football player complains of knee pain after a twisting injury during a match. Which structure is most likely injured?
A) Medial meniscus
B) Anterior cruciate ligament
C) Posterior cruciate ligament
D) Lateral collateral ligament
E) Patellar tendon
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: B
Question Easy Explanation: Twisting injuries of the knee, particularly in sporting activities, often lead to tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is crucial for stabilizing the knee during such movements.
Question Medium:
A 56-year-old woman presents with pain and stiffness in her hands, particularly in the morning. On examination, you notice swelling in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Osteoarthritis
B) Rheumatoid arthritis
C) Psoriatic arthritis
D) Gout
E) Systemic lupus erythematosus
Explanations & Answers:
Question Medium Answer: B
Question Medium Explanation: Rheumatoid arthritis frequently presents with morning stiffness and swelling in the PIP and MCP joints. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects joints symmetrically.
Question Hard:
A 68-year-old man reports severe hip pain and reduced mobility. An X-ray shows a subcapital fracture of the femur. What is the most appropriate management?
A) Non-weight-bearing physiotherapy
B) Closed reduction and casting
C) Total hip replacement
D) Hemiarthroplasty
E) Open reduction and internal fixation
Explanations & Answers:
Question Hard Answer: D
Question Hard Explanation: For older adults with subcapital femoral fractures, hemiarthroplasty is often the preferred treatment, as it allows for quicker rehabilitation and reduces the risks associated with non-weight-bearing or extensive surgeries.
Medical fact of the day: 💡 Did you know? Osteoporosis causes thousands of fractures each year in the UK, mostly in the spine, wrist, and hip. Regular weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are key preventative measures.
Quote of the day: “In the world of medicine, empathy and knowledge are the keys – together, they unlock the doors to healing.”