OMT OMT Neuromuscular Pathology & Conditions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which nerve is most commonly compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Ulnar nerve
- Median nerve (Correct answer)
- Radial nerve
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Median nerve
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist.
Question 2: Thoracic outlet syndrome involves compression of which structures?
- Only arteries and veins
- Brachial plexus, subclavian artery, and/or vein (Correct answer)
- Only the brachial plexus
- Femoral nerve and artery
Correct answer: Brachial plexus, subclavian artery, and/or vein
Thoracic outlet syndrome involves compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, and/or subclavian vein in the space between the collarbone and first rib.
Question 3: Which muscle is most commonly implicated in piriformis syndrome causing sciatic nerve irritation?
- Gluteus maximus
- Gluteus medius
- Piriformis (Correct answer)
- Obturator internus
Correct answer: Piriformis
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms and irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region.
Question 4: What is the hallmark sign of De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
- Pain with wrist flexion
- Positive Finkelstein's test (Correct answer)
- Positive Phalen's test
- Pain with finger extension
Correct answer: Positive Finkelstein's test
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is characterized by a positive Finkelstein's test, where ulnar deviation of the wrist with the thumb tucked reproduces pain over the radial styloid.
Question 5: In iliotibial band syndrome, where is pain most commonly localized?
- Medial knee joint line
- Lateral femoral epicondyle (Correct answer)
- Anterior tibial tuberosity
- Posterior knee popliteal fossa
Correct answer: Lateral femoral epicondyle
IT band syndrome typically presents with pain at the lateral femoral epicondyle where the IT band repeatedly contacts the bone during knee flexion and extension.
Question 6: Which muscle group weakness most commonly contributes to patellofemoral pain syndrome?
- Hamstrings
- Gastrocnemius
- Hip abductors and external rotators (Correct answer)
- Tibialis anterior
Correct answer: Hip abductors and external rotators
Weakness in the hip abductors and external rotators leads to femoral internal rotation and adduction, increasing lateral patellar tracking stress in patellofemoral pain syndrome.
