Question Easy:
A 45-year-old warehouse worker presents with pain in the lower back and down the left leg following a day of heavy lifting. He reports numbness and tingling in the left foot. Which nerve root is most likely affected? 🤔
A) L2
B) L3
C) L4
D) L5
E) S1
Question Medium:
A 32-year-old female marathon runner presents with anterior knee pain that worsens with prolonged sitting and walking down stairs. On examination, there is tenderness over the lateral aspect of the knee joint. What is the most likely diagnosis? 🏃♀️
A) Iliotibial band syndrome
B) Patellar tendonitis
C) Patellofemoral pain syndrome
D) Medial plica syndrome
E) Meniscal tear
Question Hard:
A 60-year-old woman slips and falls on her outstretched hand. She presents with pain and swelling over the wrist, and an X-ray reveals a distal radius fracture. The fracture is displaced and angled dorsally. What is the most appropriate initial management step? 🩺
A) Open reduction and internal fixation
B) Close reduction and cast immobilization
C) External fixation
D) Volar splint application
E) Immediate referral to orthopaedics
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: D) L5
Question Easy Explanation: The symptoms described are classic for L5 nerve root compression, which includes pain radiating to the lower back and down the leg with numbness over the dorsum of the foot. 🎯
Question Medium Answer: C) Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Question Medium Explanation: Patellofemoral pain syndrome, often seen in runners, presents with anterior knee pain that aggravates with activities like sitting for prolonged periods and descending stairs. The tenderness over the lateral knee points towards this diagnosis. 📚
Question Hard Answer: B) Close reduction and cast immobilization
Question Hard Explanation: The described fracture aligns with a Colles’ fracture, a common distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation. Initial management involves closed reduction and immobilization with a cast, unless there are complications. 🩹
Medical fact of the day: In the UK, approximately one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime, highlighting the importance of bone health awareness and preventive care. 🌿
Quote of the day: “In the service of healing, it’s not just the medicine but the kindness that counts. Every patient deserves a compassionate touch.” 🌟