Basic Athlete Injury Mitigation Final Exam (12-14)

HHP 2553

What does s/s stand for?

Signs and symptoms.

Which three criteria must be met before returning to play after an upper‑extremity injury?

Full range of motion, minimal pain, and ≥ 85 % strength compared to the uninjured side.

What two vascular checks are performed first on a limb injury?

Distal pulse and capillary refill.

Name the three bones of the shoulder girdle.

Clavicle, scapula, humerus.

What is the subacromial arch?

The bony‑soft‑tissue roof over the rotator‑cuff tendons beneath the acromion.

List the four rotator‑cuff muscles with their primary actions.

Supraspinatus – abduction; Infraspinatus – external rotation; Teres minor – external rotation; Subscapularis – internal rotation.

Which nerve complex innervates the entire upper limb?

The brachial plexus.

What three aspects do you analyze for every shoulder injury?

Mechanism, management, prevention.

What are the two most common mechanisms for upper‑extremity trauma?

Direct blow and falling on the limb.

What characterizes an anterior shoulder dislocation?

Pain, weakness, decreased ROM; caused by directional stress; requires reduction, immobilization, referral.

How does an AC sprain typically present?

“Step‑off” deformity where the clavicle looks popped up; caused by direct blow or fall; always refer.

What mechanism and symptoms define an SC sprain?

Direct blow or FOOSH; sternoclavicular pain and instability; refer immediately.

What are classic signs of a rotator‑cuff strain?

Pain, point tenderness, weakness, limited ROM; linked to poor mechanics; treat with rehab.

Give two hallmarks of shoulder impingement syndrome.

Overuse with faulty biomechanics; inflammation of bursa and/or tendons.

Nerve “Stingers/Burners”

Why are stingers likely to recur?

Previous injury increases susceptibility; prevention focuses on technique and padding.

Which three bones form the elbow joint?

Humerus, radius, ulna.

What do UCL and LCL stand for?

UCL = ulnar (medial) collateral ligament; LCL = radial (lateral) collateral ligament.

Where do wrist flexors and extensors originate?

Flexors on the medial epicondyle; extensors on the lateral epicondyle.

Name the four elbow motions.

Flexion, extension, supination, pronation.

Which nerve supplies sensation to the 4th and 5th fingers?

Ulnar nerve.

Match digits to primary nerves (thumb → little finger).

Radial (1‑2), Median (3), Ulnar (4‑5).

What causes olecranon bursitis and how is it managed?

Direct blow; aspirate or compress swelling—surgery only if necessary.

Define “Elvis” elbow sprain.

Acute or chronic ligament force (3 grades); always check neurovascular status and suspect fracture.

Differentiate medial vs. lateral epicondylitis.

Medial = “pitcher’s/golfer’s elbow” from wrist‑flexor overuse; Lateral = “tennis elbow” from wrist‑extensor overuse.

Which carpal bone fractures most often and heals poorly?

Scaphoid—low blood supply.

What is a boxer’s (dummy) fracture?

Fracture of the 5th metacarpal from punching.

Why assume fracture with finger dislocations?

Because dislocations frequently include hidden fractures.

How long does a femoral shaft fracture typically take to heal?

About 12 weeks; splint and monitor for shock.

What percentage of hip dislocations are posterior?

Roughly 70‑80 %.

Describe a hip pointer injury.

Iliac crest contusion; extremely painful; pad with a donut pad.

List two key traits of a severe hamstring strain.

Visible “balled‑up” muscle and extensive bruising; may take up to 12 weeks.

What creates iliotibial band syndrome in distance runners?

Running on crowned roads causing one leg to be slightly higher, plus poor IT‑band blood flow.

What forces produce MCL vs. LCL sprains?

Valgus (knees in) stresses MCL; Varus (knees out) stresses LCL.

Explain the classic non‑contact ACL mechanism.

“Plant‑cut‑pop” with immediate instability, minimal pain; 6‑month rehab post reconstruction.

What structures make up the “unhappy triad”?

ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus.

Why can a meniscal tear prevent knee extension?

Torn flap can wedge and block motion; meniscus is semivascular so partial healing is possible.

Who most commonly develops Osgood‑Schlatter disease and what is the remedy?

15‑18‑year‑old males on hard courts; rest is the only fix.

Define turf toe and its only cure.

Great‑toe hyper‑extension sprain; cure = rest.

What is the most common injury in all sports?

Lateral ankle sprain from inversion‑plantar‑flexion.

How do you recognize true shin‑splint pain vs. stress fracture?

Stress fracture has pinpoint tenderness; shin splints are diffuse.

Why is compartment syndrome an emergency?

Rising pressure can cut off blood flow, causing “drop foot.”

Distinguish an incision from a laceration.

Incision by sharp object; laceration by blunt force.

What simple test screens for jaw fracture?

Bite test—unable to bite down evenly indicates fracture.

When should a bleeding nose be assumed broken?

Anytime a hit causes bleeding; refer if breathing is hard or alignment is distorted.

What does PEARL stand for in an eye exam?

Pupils Equal And Reactive to Light.

How should you handle an embedded object in the eye?

Do not remove it; flush only superficial debris; follow HIT (History, Inspection, Time).

How do you handle an avulsed tooth?

Grab only the crown, never the root; also assess for concussion.

What causes cauliflower ear?

Repeated auricular trauma leading to hardened hematoma.

Healing time for mid‑sized upper‑extremity long bones?

6–8 weeks.

Healing time for stress fractures?

2–4 weeks.

Healing time for femoral fractures?

Up to 12 weeks.

What is a common mechanism for a finger‑ligament strain, and what is the typical treatment?

It often happens when catchers jam their fingers into dirt or defensive backs snag fingers while tackling; surgery is usually required.

During an eye inspection for sports injuries, why should you “check for pink eye”?

Conjunctival redness or discharge may indicate infection (conjunctivitis), which can complicate management and requires separate treatmen