Nerve Injuries and Compression

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Questions and Answers

A patient reports an altered sensation after a nerve injury. If the architecture of the nerve is preserved, but the axons are severely damaged, which type of degeneration is MOST likely occurring?

  • Neurotmesis
  • Neuropraxia
  • Axonotmesis (correct)
  • Wallerian degeneration

During a monofilament test, you are assessing protective sensation on a patient's foot. According to established guidelines, what is the MINIMUM monofilament gauge that indicates a loss of protective sensation on the plantar surface?

  • <= 5.07 gauge
  • > 5.07 gauge (correct)
  • <= 2.83 gauge
  • 2.83 gauge

You're instructing a student physical therapist on performing monofilament testing. Which instruction is MOST accurate regarding the application of the monofilament?

  • Hold the monofilament for 5 seconds.
  • Apply the monofilament at a 45-degree angle to the skin.
  • Use the question Did you feel that during sensation testing?
  • The monofilament should be applied perpendicular to the skin (correct)

When performing a somatosensory examination, what is the MOST appropriate way to ensure the reliability and validity of the results?

<p>Give a full explanation of the test and purpose, gather consent and make sure they are able to do it (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports pain and paresthesia in their forearm and hand, especially when performing repetitive tasks. The therapist suspects a 'double crush' syndrome. Which statement BEST describes this condition?

<p>A nerve is compressed in multiple places (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with limited shoulder abduction and external rotation due to suspected neural tension. Which of the following BEST describes neural tension?

<p>Nerves are unable to glide through tissues as they should (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a lower extremity evaluation, a therapist notes significant edema in a patient's ankle. Upon palpation, a deep indentation is observed that lasts longer than 30 seconds after pressure is released. How should the therapist document the pitting edema?

<p>4+ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physical therapist is measuring a patient's ankle range of motion (ROM). What is the MINIMAL change in ROM measurements between two different therapists (intertester) that would indicate a true change has occurred, rather than measurement error?

<p>6 degrees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a research study, physical therapists are using goniometers to measure knee joint angles. What is the typical standard error of measurement (SEM) associated with goniometric measurements?

<p>5 degrees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is evaluating the effectiveness of a new intervention for improving balance. What does the acronym 'MCID' represent in the context of outcome measures, and why is it important?

<p>Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After completing a functional outcome measure assessment, the therapist notes the patient's score has improved since the initial evaluation. What does this type of outcome measure tell the therapist about the patient?

<p>It indicate's the patients ability to function (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A clinic is deciding whether to use a goniometer or inclinometer for a study. Which type of measurement would be MOST appropriate for this, regarding the properties of the measurement?

<p>Ratio Measure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An elderly patient demonstrates a wide base of support and increased sway during quiet standing. Which aspect of balance is MOST compromised?

<p>Steady-State Control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient stumbles while walking and takes a quick step forward to prevent a fall. Which type of balance control is MOST evident in this scenario?

<p>Reactive control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with impaired balance is being evaluated. When unexpectedly bumped by another person, the patient loses balance and requires assistance to prevent a fall. Which balance control is MOST impaired?

<p>Reactive control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a balance assessment, the physical therapist observes the patient primarily activating ankle muscles to maintain balance during small postural sway. What balance strategy is the patient utilizing?

<p>Ankle strategy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports difficulty reaching for objects without losing their balance. Which sensory system is MOST likely contributing to this balance impairment?

<p>Visual (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is being treated for balance deficits. The therapist asks the patient to stand on a foam pad with their eyes closed. This activity primarily challenges which sensory system's contribution to balance?

<p>Somatosensory system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a history of stroke exhibits a postural deviation that significantly alters their center of mass (COM). Additionally, they have limited ankle range of motion (ROM). Which type of balance impairment is MOST likely contributing to their balance deficits?

<p>Biomechanical/Motor Output Impairment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physical therapist is selecting an outcome measure to assess a patient's functional abilities after a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following outcome measures is categorized as a 'self-report' measure?

<p>Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physical therapist is using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire with a patient. What type of information does this test gather?

<p>self-report outcome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A therapist is treating a patient with balance deficits. Which of the following balance examination tests would be MOST appropriate for assessing anticipatory postural control?

<p>Functional reach (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During an evaluation, the physical therapist instructs a patient to take a step to regain their balance after being gently pushed. Which strategy is the patient employing?

<p>Step Strategy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physical therapist is reviewing the results of a diagnostic test for a patient. The test has high 'specificity'. What does this indicate about the test's ability?

<p>The test has a low rate of false positives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is evaluating a new clinical measurement tool. They want to determine if the tool consistently measures what it is intended to measure. Which aspect of the measurement tool are they assessing?

<p>Validity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physical therapist is assessing the inter-rater reliability of a new goniometer placement technique. What aspect of the measurement process is being evaluated?

<p>The ability of several therapists to use it and get similar results (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When deciding whether or not to use a new assessment tool in their clinic, a physical therapist considers several factors. Which of the following is a consideration of clinical utility?

<p>Appropriateness of the test (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is assessing the reliability of a new measurement tool. They administer the tool to the same subjects on two separate occasions and compare the scores. Which type of reliability is being assessed?

<p>Test re-test reliability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of likelihood ratios in interpreting diagnostic test results?

<p>Quantifying the probability that a pt has or does not have a paritcular condition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST appropriate stimulus for stimulating mechanoreceptors during a sensory examination?

<p>Mechanical deformation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term BEST describes a condition involving compression or damage to a nerve root?

<p>Radiculopathy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is diagnosed with a condition affecting the brachial plexus. What term BEST describes this type of nerve involvement?

<p>Plexopathy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with sensory and motor deficits in a single peripheral nerve distribution. What term BEST describes this type of nerve involvement?

<p>Neuropathy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is diagnosed with polyneuropathy. What other condition is most closely related to this diagnosis?

<p>Mononeuropathy and Polyneuropathy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of a mild, temporary nerve injury that typically results in full recovery?

<p>Neuropraxia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient experienced a severe laceration that completely severed a peripheral nerve. Which type of nerve injury is MOST likely?

<p>Neurotmesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is destroyed in a Neurotmesis?

<p>architecture of nerve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of items that are used for light touch awareness?

<p>Cotton swab or ball (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Stimulus for mechano receptors?

Mechanical deformation

Condition on nerve root compression/damage?

Myelopathy

Condition on the nerve root compression/damage?

Radiculopathy

Condition on the nerve plexus compression/damage?

Plexopathy

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Condition on the peripheral nerve compression/damage?

Neuropathy

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Two types on neuropathy?

Mononeuropathy and Polyneuropathy

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Syndrome: peripheral nerve is compressed in multiple places?

Double crush

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When nerves are unable to glide through tissues?

Neural tension

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List of peripheral nerve injuries (6 of them)?

Compression, blunt trauma, stretch, avulsion, severing, disease

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Breakdown of axons/myelin sheaths distal to the point of injury?

Wallerian Degeneration

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Mild injury: temporarily blocks nerve impulses?

Neuropraxia

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Axonotmesis?

Architecture of nerve preserved, Wallerian degeneration occurs

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Neurotmesis?

Structure is destroyed by cutting, severe scarring, or prolonged compression.

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How do we do SomatoSensory Examination?

History, systems review, and test/measures

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Items for light touch awareness?

Camel hair brush, cotton swab/ball, monofilament, tissue

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Monofilament should be perpendicular to the skin?

True

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Loss of protective sensation for foot (monofilaments)?

5.07 gauge or 10g

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Normal Sensation (Monofilaments)?

<= 2.83 gauge or 0.07g

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How long do you hold a monofilament for?

1-2 seconds

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Disease of many nerves?

Polyneuropathy

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T/F: No need to give a full explanation during sensation test patient preparation?

False: Give a full explanation of the test and purpose, gather consent and make sure they are able to do it

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T/F: Use the question 'did you feel that' during sensation testing?

False: Should either say yes, no, or nothing.

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T/F: Patient should not guess during sensation testing?

True

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T/F: Sensation exam should be organized and predictable?

True: Vary timing, location

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T/F: Test area 2 times for verification?

False: It should be at least 3 times

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Primary difference is outcome measures look beyond impairment?

True

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BERG Balance Scale is self-report or performance based?

Performance based

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5x sit to stand: self-report or performance based?

Performance based

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Time Up and Go (TUG): self-report or performance based?

Performance based

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Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire: self-report or performance based?

Self report

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Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS): self-report or performance based?

Self report

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Dizziness Handicap Inventory: self-report or performance based?

Self report

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Smallest amount of change not attributable to measurement error?

Minimal Detectable Change (MDC)

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Smallest change considered meaningful clinically?

Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID)

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Escape of fluid from blood vessels into tissues?

Effusion

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Abnormal fluid accumulation in cells or interstitial spaces?

Edema

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For functional outcome measure tests, high or lower score better?

Higher score is more functional

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Dynamic process that maintains body position?

Balance

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Maintain balance and not fall?

Center of gravity, base of support

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What are the three inputs to our balance?

Visual, Vestibular and Somatosensory

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Study Notes

  • The stimulus for mechano receptors is mechanical deformation.
  • Nerve root compression/damage is called myelopathy.
  • Nerve plexus compression/damage is called radiculopathy.
  • Peripheral nerve compression/damage is called neuropathy.
  • The two types of neuropathy are mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy.
  • Double crush syndrome occurs when a peripheral nerve is compressed in multiple places.
  • Neural tension is when nerves are unable to glide through tissues as they should.
  • Six types of peripheral nerve injuries: compression, blunt trauma, stretch (over-stretched), avulsion (no longer stretch), severing, and disease.
  • Wallerian degeneration is the breakdown of axons and their myelin sheaths, occurring distal to the point of injury in a nerve fiber.
  • Neuropraxia is a mild peripheral nerve injury that temporarily blocks nerve impulses, is the mildest form of nerve injury, and usually results in a full recovery.
  • Axonotmesis is when the architecture of the nerve is preserved, but axons are so badly damaged that Wallerian degeneration occurs.
  • Neurotmesis is when the nerve structure is destroyed by cutting, severe scarring, or prolonged severe compression, also Wallerian degeneration.
  • SomatoSensory Examination is performed through history, systems review, and tests/measures.
  • Items used for light touch awareness: camel hair brush, cotton swab or ball, monofilament, and tissue.
  • Monofilament should be perpendicular to the skin.
  • Loss of protective sensation for the foot (plantar surface) with monofilaments is > 5.07 gauge or 10g.
  • Normal sensation throughout most of the rest of the body with monofilaments is </= 2.83 gauge or 0.07g.
  • A monofilament should be held for 1-2 seconds.
  • Polyneuropathy is a disease of many nerves.
  • During a sensation test patient preparation, a full explanation of the test and its purpose should be given, consent should be gathered, and it should be ensured they are able to do it.
  • Using the question "did you feel that" during sensation testing is inaccurate because if you are preparing them to "feel something", it will be inaccurate. They should either say yes or say nothing. Do not ask "did you feel that?".
  • The patient should not guess during the sensation testing.
  • When carrying out the sensation exam, the exam should be organized and predictable.
  • During a formal sensation test, the area should be tested at least 3 times for verification.
  • A primary difference between "outcome measures" and specific, isolated measures like ROM is that "outcome measures" typically look beyond the impairment level to the patient's ability to function, while ROM only looks at the impairment in motion of the measured joint.
  • BERG Balance Scale is a performance based measure.
  • 5x sit to stand is a performance based measure.
  • Time Up and Go (TUG) is a performance based measure.
  • Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire is a self report measure.
  • Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a self report measure.
  • Dizziness Handicap Inventory is a self report measure.
  • Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a self report measure.
  • Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) is a self report measure.
  • Quick DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand) is a self report measure.
  • Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a self report measure.
  • OPTIMAL (from APTA) is a self report measure.
  • Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) is a self report measure.
  • Six minute walk test is a performance based measure.
  • Ten meter walk test is a performance based measure.
  • Modified Physical Performance Test is a performance based measure.
  • The typical standard error of measurement with a goniometer is 5°.
  • Minimal detectable change (MDC) refers to the smallest amount of change in a measurement that is considered statistically significant and not attributable to measurement error.
  • Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) represents the smallest change in a patient's score that is considered meaningful or important from a clinical perspective, meaning it is a change that the patient or clinician would perceive as beneficial.
  • Effusion is the escape of fluid from blood vessels or lymphatics into the tissues or a cavity.
  • Edema is abnormal accumulation of fluid in cells or interstitial spaces.
  • A true change in ROM measurements needs Intratester (same person)- 5 degrees, and Intertesters (different people)- 6 degrees.
  • For functional outcome measure tests, higher score = more functional.
  • For figure-eight ankle measurement, the patient does not have to be in long sitting.
  • For figure-eight ankle measurement, the ankle must be in neutral or 20 degrees plantar flexion.
  • The bony landmarks for figure-eight ankle measurement: tuberosity of the navicular, base of the 5th metatarsal, distal tip of the medial malleolus, distal tip of the lateral malleolus, and tibialis anterior tendon
  • The bony landmarks for figure-eight hand/wrist: Ulnar styloid process, Radial styloid process, 5th MCP joint line, and 2nd MCP joint line
  • For disability outcome measure tests, higher score = more disabled
  • Outcome measures can address function performance directly (performance based) and a person's perception of their abilities (self report).
  • Pertaining to the pitting edema scale, indentation/pitting is barely visible and rebounds immediately after pressure released is 1+.
  • Pertaining to the pitting edema scale, slight indentation/pitting visible when skin depressed; returns to normal within 15 seconds is 2+.
  • Pertaining to the pitting edema scale, deeper indentation/pitting occurs when skin is pressed returns to normal within 16-30 seconds is 3+.
  • Pertaining to the pitting edema scale, indentation/pitting lasts for longer than 30 seconds is 4+.
  • BMI interpretation of below 18.5 is considered underweight.
  • BMI interpretation of 18.5-24.9 is considered normal.
  • BMI interpretation of 25.0 - 29.9 is considered overweight.
  • BMI interpretation of 30.0 and above is considered Obesity.
  • High risk when pertaining to the waist to hip ratio for Male: 1.0+ and Female 0.85+.
  • Examples of self report outcome measures: Quick DASH (disability of the arm, shoulder, hand), Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and OPTIMAL.
  • Examples of performance based outcome measures: BERG Balance Scale, 5x Sit to Stand, Timed Up and Go, 6 minute walk test, 10 meter walk test, and Modified Physical Performance Test.
  • Ordinal measures outcome measures uses a descriptive scale (no difficulty, some difficulty, etc), but the scale does not have equal intervals/ratios.
  • Ratio measures outcome measure has equality between measurements (example - degrees with goniometry, distance between hash-marks, etc).
  • Balance is the dynamic process by which the body's position is maintained in equilibrium either at rest (static equilibrium) or in steady state motion (dynamic equilibrium).
  • If a person maintains their center of gravity within their base of support, they should be able to maintain balance and not fall
  • If a patient notes they feel fairly balanced when walking around their home; however, they feel less balanced when walking in busy settings like an airport or a busy store, this is an example of how environmental factors can affect a person's balance.
  • Standing quietly in line is an example of steady-state control.
  • Sitting quietly in an armless chair is an example of steady-state control.
  • Pulling open a heavy door that you have used many times in an example of anticipatory control.
  • Standing in line when suddenly bumped by another person is an example of reactive control.
  • Ankle strategy recruits muscles distal to proximal.
  • Hip strategy recruits muscles from proximal to distal.
  • Momentum is the product of mass times velocity.
  • Balance control is a complex motor control task involving detection and integration of sensory information, body position and motion in space and execution of appropriate musculoskeletal responses to control body position within the context of the environment and task.
  • Three inputs to our balance: visual, vestibular, and somatosensory.
  • The somatosensory system receives sensory information from throughout the body, including information about joint position, muscle tension, and skin pressure, which helps the brain understand the body's posture.
  • Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system detects head movements and rotations, providing information about our balance and spatial orientation.
  • Eyes detect visual cues like the position of objects in our environment, which helps the visual system determine our orientation.
  • Sensorimotor integration impairment is the balance impairment for a patient that has difficulty selecting the appropriate sensory input to listen to when one or more of the other sensory inputs is providing inaccurate information.
  • Biomechanical/motor output impairments are the balance impairment for a patient that has a postural deviation that significantly changes their COM or they have a ROM or muscle performance issue that limits their ability to appropriately react to maintain their balance?
  • Sensory input impairment is the balance impairment for poor vision.
  • Research suggests that lifting objects with the knees more extended decreases the chance of losing one's balance.
  • Functional reach are examples of balance examination tests for anticipatory postural control.
  • The two steady-state controls: Static which is at rest, and Dynamic where the body surface is moving (escalator)/body is moving on a stable surface (walking on a sidewalk).
  • The three automatic steady-state controls: Reactive, anticipatory, and adaptive.
  • Ankle strategy is utilized from distal to proximal.
  • Hip strategy is utilized from proximal to distal.
  • Step Strategy is taking a step to reposition your base of support.
  • Example of when to use Step Strategy: Stepping forward to catch yourself if you lose balance significantly.
  • Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire is a Self-report measure.
  • Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a Self-report measure.
  • Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a Self-report measure.
  • Quick DASH (disability of the arm, shoulder, hand) is a Self-report measure.
  • Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) is a Self-report measure.
  • OPTIMAL is a Self-report measure.
  • BERG balance scale is a Performance based measure.
  • 5x sit to stand is a Performance based measure.
  • Timed up and go (TUG) is a Performance based measure.
  • Six minute walk test is a Performance based measure.
  • Ten meter walk test is a Performance based measure.
  • Modified Physical Performance Test is a Performance based measure.
  • Nominal outcome measures have just two choices (example - able or unable).
  • If a test has good specificity, you can be reasonably assured that a positive test means that the patient likely has the condition for which you are testing (you can rule in the condition with a positive test).
  • Validity is the degree to which a useful or meaningful interpretation can be inferred from a measurement (the test measures what it purports to measure).
  • Inter-rater reliability is the ability of several PTs to do the same test and get similar results.
  • Five considerations of clinical utility: appropriateness of the test, precision of the test to accurately measure change, interpretability of the test to the patient's situation, acceptability of the test to the patient, and time and cost of administering the test.
  • Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) is a reliability measure that assesses response stability, and estimates the standard error in a set of repeated scores.
  • Sensitivity (SnOUT - rule it out) measures the proportion of actual positives which are correctly identified as such.
  • Likelihood ratios quantifies the probability that a patient has or does not have a particular condition.

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