BAIM final exam

What key aspects should you assess for any upper‑limb injury?

Mechanism, presentation (signs & symptoms), care/management, and prevention strategies.

Which three bones form the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint?

Clavicle, scapula, and humerus.

What class of synovial joint are the hip and shoulder?

Ball‑and‑socket joints.

What class of synovial joint are the elbow, knee, and ankle?

Hinge joints.

What is the shoulder capsule?

A strong connective‑tissue sleeve that encloses and stabilizes the joint.

What is the glenoid labrum?

A fibrocartilage ring attached to the rim of the scapula’s glenoid cavity.

What is shoulder impingement syndrome?

Overuse‑related tendon inflammation that becomes pinched in the subacromial space; treated with RICE.

Where is the subscapularis muscle located?

On the anterior side of the scapula/shoulder.

Where is the supraspinatus muscle located?

On the posterior superior scapula.

Name the four rotator‑cuff (SITS) muscles.

Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis.

What primary motion does the supraspinatus produce?

Arm abduction.

Which major nerves serve the shoulder region?

Radial, ulnar, median, and axillary nerves.

Summarize a typical clavicle fracture.

Mechanism – direct impact/FOOSH; S&S – pain, deformity, crepitus; Management – splint and refer; Prevention – minimize high‑impact contact; Healing ≈ 6‑8 weeks.

Give common mechanisms for anterior shoulder dislocation.

Falling on an outstretched arm or posterior blow forcing the humeral head forward.

What causes an acromioclavicular (AC) sprain?

Direct blow to the shoulder tip or FOOSH; piano‑key test confirms.

What criteria allow return to play after an AC sprain?

Minimal pain, full ROM, and full strength.

Describe a sternoclavicular (SC) sprain emergency.

Posterior displacement after direct blow/FOOSH; do not move—activate EMS.

List common mechanisms of shoulder muscle strain.

Overuse, poor mechanics, and weak shoulder musculature.

What are hallmark signs of a shoulder muscle strain?

Bilateral weakness, point tenderness; managed with rest, rehab, or surgery if severe.

State two leading mechanisms for pectoral strain.

Weak/inflexible chest musculature and side‑arm throwing.

Define a fracture.

Any crack or break in bone, often from direct blow or stress; pain may worsen with laughing, coughing, or breathing.

What are general S&S and care for fractures?

Swelling and point tenderness; splint and refer for imaging.

What characterizes a burner/stinger nerve injury?

Burning or tingling down one arm after head/neck impact; usually resolves in 10–15 min before return.

Describe forearm position in supination.

Radius and ulna are parallel with palms facing up.

Name the three bones forming the elbow joint.

Humerus, radius, and ulna.

Which ligament stabilizes the elbow medially?

Medial (ulnar) collateral ligament (MCL).

Which ligament stabilizes the elbow laterally?

Lateral (radial) collateral ligament (LCL).

Which elbow ligament secures the radial head against the ulna?

Annular ligament.

Define an agonist muscle.

The muscle that contracts to produce the prime movement.

Define an antagonist muscle.

The muscle that opposes and controls the motion of the agonist.

Wrist flexors originate on which epicondyle?

Medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Wrist extensors originate on which epicondyle?

Lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

Which arm arteries/nerves are commonly used for pulse checks?

Brachial (median), radial, and ulnar.

Name sports associated with chronic shoulder injuries.

Swimming, volleyball, and baseball.

Which sport has the highest incidence of upper‑arm injuries?

Baseball.

Summarize elbow dislocation management.

Caused by FOOSH or direct blow; obvious deformity; must be reduced by medical professional.

Outline elbow fracture basics.

MOI—direct blow/FOOSH; S&S—pain, swelling; splint, check distal pulse, refer.

Describe olecranon bursitis care.

Compress, possible aspiration and steroid, or surgical removal if chronic.

What general injury risk exists with elbow sprains?

UCL sprain or avulsion fracture from valgus stress.

What is medial epicondylitis commonly called?

Pitcher’s, golfer’s, or Little Leaguer’s elbow.

What is lateral epicondylitis commonly called?

Tennis elbow.

Which carpal bone is most frequently fractured?

Scaphoid.

Which digits are innervated primarily by the radial nerve?

Thumb and index finger (1st & 2nd metacarpals).

Which digit is mainly innervated by the median nerve?

Middle finger (3rd metacarpal).

Which digits are mainly innervated by the ulnar nerve?

Ring and little fingers (4th & 5th metacarpals).

Where is the anatomical snuffbox and its significance?

Dorsal‑radial wrist depression housing the scaphoid.

Describe a typical forearm (Colles) fracture.

FOOSH produces “silver‑fork” deformity at distal radius; splint and refer.

What is a boxer’s fracture?

Fracture of 2nd or 3rd metacarpal neck; heals in about 6–8 weeks.

Why do many wrist fractures require surgery?

Avascular necrosis risk and poor blood supply, leading to tissue death.

What mechanism commonly causes finger fractures?

Traumatic impact to distal, middle, or proximal phalanx.

What is a common treatment for finger tendon avulsion (“mallet”)?

Splint 3–4 weeks until tendon scars; gloves help prevent.

How do you manage a sprained ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb?

Splint to immobilize; brace for prevention.

What is the usual cause of finger dislocations?

Axial load from ball impact; refer for reduction if non‑clinician.

Which bone is the body’s longest and strongest?

Femur.

Outline basics of a femoral shaft fracture.

Often from high‑energy trauma; internal bleeding possible; surgical rod fixation; NWB ≈ 12 weeks.

Who is predisposed to femoral stress fractures?

Female athletes, gymnasts, and linemen; rest 4–6 weeks.

What is the most common direction for hip dislocation?

Posterior; limb‑threatening due to vascular compromise.

Define a hip pointer.

Iliac crest contusion causing bone bruise; heals in 2–3 weeks; padding prevents.

Summarize hamstring strain grading.

Grades 0–3; overstretch or forceful contraction; time loss up to 12 weeks.

Describe a typical groin (adductor) strain.

Excessive abduction with “pop”; butterfly stretch rehab; 8–12 weeks.

Give key care points for quadriceps strain.

Ice ASAP, gentle stretch after 24–48 h; good warm‑up prevents.

What causes thigh contusions?

Direct blow without pads; RICE on stretch; ~13–21 days out.

What is myositis ossificans?

Bone growth inside muscle after severe contusion.

Describe quadriceps compartment syndrome signs.

Shiny, taut, hot skin with severe pain and NWB.

What is iliotibial band syndrome?

Lateral knee pain in distance runners from overuse on uneven surfaces.

Define a sports hernia.

Core muscle tear from heavy lifting; may need surgical repair; long recovery.

List the four bones forming the knee joint complex.

Femur, tibia, fibula, and patella.

Name the four primary knee ligaments.

ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL.

What valgus test finding suggests an MCL sprain?

Knock‑knee (medial collapse) under valgus stress.

What varus test finding suggests an LCL sprain?

Bow‑legged (lateral opening) under varus stress.

Outline fractured patella presentation.

Direct blow; straight‑leg raise painful; palpable defect; immobilize.

How is a dislocated patella typically reduced?

Gentle knee extension realigns; return when pain‑free with rehab.

Why are MCL sprains common and how managed?

Valgus force; pain medial line; brace 3–6 weeks; braces help prevent.

Describe classic ACL sprain features.

Non‑contact pivot with “pop”; femur‑to‑tibia shear; higher risk in female soccer.

What three structures compose the “unhappy triad”?

ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus.

What tissues may be used for ACL reconstruction?

Patellar, hamstring, quadriceps tendon autograft, or allograft.

What mechanism often causes a PCL sprain?

“Dashboard” posterior force on tibia; usually non‑surgical.

Why are isolated LCL sprains rare?

Often occur with other ligament or capsule injuries; heal 3–6 weeks.

State key facts about meniscus tears.

Avascular cartilage shock‑absorber; locking/catching; crutches 3–6 weeks post‑surgery, full return 3–6 months.

What is patellar tendinitis commonly called?

Jumper’s knee; chronic patellar tendon inflammation.

Define turf toe.

Great‑toe hyperextension sprain of plantar plate/extensors.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Inflammation of plantar fascia causing first‑step morning pain; better footwear helps.

What mechanism causes most lateral ankle sprains?

Inversion with plantar‑flexion; braces/taping prevent.

What is another term for a high‑ankle sprain?

Syndesmosis sprain.

How do you manage ankle/lower‑leg fracture–luxation?

Check vascular status, splint, EMS activation.

Explain stress fractures in runners.

Chronic overload causing point tenderness; rest 2–4 weeks.

Why is “shin splints” a vague diagnosis?

It covers multiple lower‑leg overuse pains often linked to footwear or arch issues.

What are red‑flag signs of compartment syndrome?

Severe tight pain, shiny skin, and foot drop; surgical fasciotomy may be required.

Describe Achilles tendinitis presentation.

Posterior heel pain from overuse; feels like being “kicked”; stretching helps.

What does PRICE stand for in acute care?

Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Why is maintaining ROM important in rehab?

Prevents stiffness; achieved through stretching and active ROM exercises.

Define proprioception.

Body’s sense of position and movement in space.

How do you manage facial lacerations > ½‑inch long?

Control bleeding, clean, and suture within golden period.

What simple field test screens for mandible fracture?

Bite test—pain or mal‑occlusion suggests fracture.

List key steps for controlling a persistent nosebleed.

Pinch nostrils 20 min, head forward, insert cotton; avoid blowing nose.

What rapid neuro‑optic check acronym is used for head/face injuries?

H.I.T.—History, Inspection, Touch.

What does PEARL stand for in eye assessment?

Pupils Equal And Reactive to Light.

Give three do‑nots for eye injuries.

Do not rub eye, remove embedded object, or remove contacts if injured.

What is cauliflower ear and how prevented?

Auricular hematoma in wrestlers; prevented with headgear.

Differentiate acute vs. chronic injuries.

Acute—sudden single event; Chronic—overuse cumulative stress.