Question 1

A patient presents with pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle after twisting it during a basketball game. The physician diagnoses a sprain. Which of the following best explains why sprains take a long time to heal?

Accepted Answer

Ligaments have a poor blood supply, which slows the healing process.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for a sprained ankle, as shown in the first image?

Accepted Answer

Following the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Question 3

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is primarily caused by which of the following mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

Compression of the median nerve due to inflammation of tendons within the carpal tunnel.

Question 4

A 45-year-old office worker complains of tingling and numbness in her thumb, index, and middle fingers, especially in the morning. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Question 5

Which of the following groups is at increased risk for developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Women, especially those with metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a recommended non-surgical treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Immediate surgical release of the carpal ligament

Question 7

A patient with persistent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms for over 6 months is considering surgery. What is the surgical procedure called and what does it involve?

Accepted Answer

Carpal tunnel release; severing the band of tissue around the carpal bones to relieve pressure.

Question 8

Bursitis is characterized by inflammation of which anatomical structure, as shown in the third image?

Accepted Answer

Bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction in joints.

Question 9

Which of the following is a common cause of bursitis?

Accepted Answer

Overuse or constant pressure on a joint.

Question 10

A 60-year-old manual laborer presents with shoulder pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Which condition is most likely, and what is the initial recommended treatment?

Accepted Answer

Bursitis; apply ice for the first 24 hours, then heat.

Question 11

Tendinitis most commonly affects which joints, and why does it take a long time to heal?

Accepted Answer

Knees and shoulders; tendons have poor blood supply.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between bursitis and tendinitis?

Accepted Answer

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, while tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon.

Question 13

A patient with tendinitis is advised to use ice followed by heat. What is the physiological rationale for this treatment sequence?

Accepted Answer

Ice reduces initial inflammation and swelling; heat increases blood flow to promote healing.

Question 14

Which of the following is a plausible reason why recurrence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome after surgery is rare?

Accepted Answer

The surgical procedure permanently relieves pressure on the median nerve.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why older adults and athletes are at higher risk for bursitis?

Accepted Answer

Both groups experience more joint overuse and repetitive stress, leading to inflammation of the bursa.

Question 16

Which of the following treatments is commonly used for both bursitis and tendinitis?

Accepted Answer

Rest, ice/heat, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Question 17

A patient with carpal tunnel syndrome is considering alternative medicine. Which of the following statements is supported by current evidence?

Accepted Answer

Yoga may improve grip strength and reduce pain, but acupuncture and chiropractic are unproven.

Question 18

Which of the following symptoms is LEAST likely to be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Pain and numbness in the little finger.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the bursa in joint function?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a cushion to reduce friction between moving structures in a joint.

Question 20

A patient with tendinitis is prescribed anti-inflammatory medications. Which of the following best explains the mechanism of these drugs?

Accepted Answer

They inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, reducing inflammation and pain.

Pathology of the Skeletal System: Sprains, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis, and Tendinitis

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