Degenerative spine conditions  MCQs (e.g., spondylolisthesis, herniated discs)

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 28, 2024

What is the primary characteristic of spondylolisthesis?
A) Forward slippage of a vertebra
B) Compression of the spinal cord
C) Inflammation of the intervertebral discs
D) Degeneration of the spinal nerves
Answer: A) Forward slippage of a vertebra

Which age group is most commonly affected by degenerative spine conditions?
A) Children
B) Adolescents
C) Adults aged 30-50
D) Elderly individuals
Answer: D) Elderly individuals

What is a common symptom of a herniated disc?
A) Numbness in the extremities
B) Loss of appetite
C) Vision problems
D) Skin rash
Answer: A) Numbness in the extremities

What is the main cause of degenerative disc disease?
A) Trauma
B) Age-related wear and tear
C) Genetic factors
D) Infections
Answer: B) Age-related wear and tear

Which imaging technique is most commonly used to diagnose herniated discs?
A) X-ray
B) MRI
C) CT scan
D) Ultrasound
Answer: B) MRI

What conservative treatment is often recommended for spondylolisthesis?
A) Surgery
B) Bracing
C) Physical therapy
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C

What type of pain is often associated with spondylolisthesis?
A) Sharp pain localized to the spine
B) Radiating pain down the legs
C) Constant abdominal pain
D) Pain only during physical activity
Answer: B) Radiating pain down the legs

Which condition is characterized by the deterioration of the intervertebral discs?
A) Spondylosis
B) Spondylolisthesis
C) Herniated disc
D) Spinal stenosis
Answer: A) Spondylosis

What is a common surgical procedure for treating severe herniated discs?
A) Spinal fusion
B) Laminectomy
C) Discectomy
D) Vertebroplasty
Answer: C) Discectomy

What lifestyle modification can help prevent degenerative spine conditions?
A) Increasing physical activity
B) Smoking cessation
C) Weight management
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

Which degenerative condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal?
A) Spondylolisthesis
B) Herniated disc
C) Spinal stenosis
D) Degenerative disc disease
Answer: C) Spinal stenosis

What type of physical therapy is beneficial for degenerative spine conditions?
A) Strengthening exercises
B) Flexibility exercises
C) Aerobic conditioning
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is the role of corticosteroid injections in treating degenerative spine conditions?
A) To cure the condition
B) To reduce inflammation and pain
C) To prevent surgery
D) To strengthen the muscles
Answer: B) To reduce inflammation and pain

What is the common risk factor for developing a herniated disc?
A) High-impact sports
B) Age
C) Poor posture
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is the typical treatment approach for mild herniated discs?
A) Surgery
B) Conservative management
C) Immediate bed rest
D) Intravenous medication
Answer: B) Conservative management

What can be a long-term consequence of untreated spondylolisthesis?
A) Increased flexibility
B) Chronic pain
C) Improved posture
D) Enhanced mobility
Answer: B) Chronic pain

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of degenerative disc disease?
A) Localized pain
B) Muscle weakness
C) Numbness and tingling
D) Swelling
Answer: D) Swelling

What does a herniated disc typically affect?
A) Nerve roots
B) Spinal cord
C) Surrounding muscles
D) Joint capsules
Answer: A) Nerve roots

What lifestyle factor can contribute to the development of degenerative spine conditions?
A) Sedentary lifestyle
B) Regular exercise
C) Healthy diet
D) Adequate hydration
Answer: A) Sedentary lifestyle

Which symptom is often relieved by changing positions in patients with degenerative disc disease?
A) Numbness
B) Localized pain
C) Radicular pain
D) Weakness
Answer: C) Radicular pain

Which type of imaging is best for evaluating spinal stenosis?
A) X-ray
B) CT scan
C) MRI
D) Ultrasound
Answer: C) MRI

What is the main goal of surgical intervention for severe degenerative spine conditions?
A) To eliminate all pain
B) To restore spinal stability
C) To improve cosmetic appearance
D) To reduce the need for physical therapy
Answer: B) To restore spinal stability

What is the common term for the degeneration of the spine due to aging?
A) Spondylolisthesis
B) Spondylosis
C) Herniated disc
D) Spinal stenosis
Answer: B) Spondylosis

What condition involves the displacement of a vertebra due to a defect in the pars interarticularis?
A) Herniated disc
B) Spondylolisthesis
C) Spinal stenosis
D) Degenerative disc disease
Answer: B) Spondylolisthesis

Which of the following is NOT a conservative treatment option for degenerative spine conditions?
A) Surgery
B) Physical therapy
C) Pain medication
D) Activity modification
Answer: A) Surgery

What type of spinal disc condition may present with acute onset of severe pain?
A) Degenerative disc disease
B) Herniated disc
C) Spinal stenosis
D) Spondylosis
Answer: B) Herniated disc

What is the best preventative measure against degenerative disc disease?
A) Regular exercise and proper body mechanics
B) Avoiding all physical activity
C) Weight gain
D) Inactivity
Answer: A) Regular exercise and proper body mechanics

What is the role of physical therapy in managing spondylolisthesis?
A) To strengthen core muscles
B) To increase flexibility
C) To alleviate pain
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What type of specialist typically treats degenerative spine conditions?
A) Neurologist
B) Orthopedic surgeon
C) Rheumatologist
D) Physical therapist
Answer: B) Orthopedic surgeon

Which condition can lead to the development of sciatica?
A) Spondylosis
B) Herniated disc
C) Spondylolisthesis
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is a common symptom of spinal stenosis?
A) Localized pain
B) Numbness in the hands
C) Weakness in the legs
D) Both C and A
Answer: D) Both C and A

What is the purpose of spinal fusion surgery?
A) To eliminate pain completely
B) To stabilize the spine
C) To improve range of motion
D) To decompress the spinal cord
Answer: B) To stabilize the spine

Which of the following activities should be avoided to prevent exacerbation of degenerative spine conditions?
A) Lifting heavy weights
B) Walking
C) Swimming
D) Stretching
Answer: A) Lifting heavy weights

What type of medication is often prescribed for pain relief in degenerative spine conditions?
A) Antibiotics
B) Anti-inflammatories
C) Antidepressants
D) Antihistamines
Answer: B) Anti-inflammatories

What is a common surgical option for treating spondylolisthesis?
A) Laminectomy
B) Spinal fusion
C) Discectomy
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C

What does degenerative disc disease lead to over time?
A) Increased disc height
B) Loss of spinal flexibility
C) Enhanced nerve function
D) Decreased pain
Answer: B) Loss of spinal flexibility

What lifestyle change can help alleviate symptoms of degenerative spine conditions?
A) Increasing weight
B) Adopting a sedentary lifestyle
C) Maintaining a healthy weight
D) Ignoring pain
Answer: C) Maintaining a healthy weight

Which of the following conditions is characterized by a bulging disc?
A) Spondylolisthesis
B) Herniated disc
C) Spinal stenosis
D) Spondylosis
Answer: B) Herniated disc

What is a potential complication of untreated herniated discs?
A) Muscle atrophy
B) Improved posture
C) Enhanced mobility
D) None of the above
Answer: A) Muscle atrophy

What is the primary aim of physical therapy in treating degenerative spine conditions?
A) To avoid surgery
B) To manage pain and improve function
C) To provide immediate relief
D) To increase weight
Answer: B) To manage pain and improve function

Which of the following conditions can lead to decreased spinal stability?
A) Spondylolisthesis
B) Degenerative disc disease
C) Spinal stenosis
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What does the term “radiculopathy” refer to?
A) Pain in the spine
B) Nerve root compression symptoms
C) Degeneration of the spinal discs
D) Muscle weakness
Answer: B) Nerve root compression symptoms

What is the expected outcome of conservative management for mild degenerative spine conditions?
A) Complete cure
B) Symptom relief and improved function
C) Requirement of surgery
D) Progressive degeneration
Answer: B) Symptom relief and improved function

 

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