Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries MCQs

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

What is shoulder impingement syndrome?
A. Compression of the rotator cuff tendons
B. Dislocation of the shoulder joint
C. Inflammation of the shoulder capsule
D. Fracture of the shoulder blade
Answer: A. Compression of the rotator cuff tendons

Which muscle is NOT part of the rotator cuff?
A. Supraspinatus
B. Infraspinatus
C. Subscapularis
D. Biceps brachii
Answer: D. Biceps brachii

What is a common symptom of rotator cuff injury?
A. Numbness in the fingers
B. Difficulty in raising the arm
C. Swelling in the wrist
D. Pain in the lower back
Answer: B. Difficulty in raising the arm

What is the most common rotator cuff tear?
A. Full-thickness tear
B. Partial-thickness tear
C. Complete tear
D. Incomplete tear
Answer: B. Partial-thickness tear

Which test is commonly used to diagnose rotator cuff injuries?
A. X-ray
B. MRI
C. Neer test
D. CT scan
Answer: C. Neer test

What is a primary risk factor for developing shoulder impingement?
A. Age over 40
B. High athletic activity
C. Sedentary lifestyle
D. Previous shoulder dislocation
Answer: A. Age over 40

Which of the following is a common treatment for shoulder impingement?
A. Surgical intervention
B. Ice application
C. Complete immobilization
D. None of the above
Answer: B. Ice application

What is the primary function of the rotator cuff?
A. Stabilizing the shoulder joint
B. Providing strength to the biceps
C. Supporting the shoulder blade
D. Allowing lateral movement of the arm
Answer: A. Stabilizing the shoulder joint

What is the main cause of rotator cuff tears?
A. Trauma
B. Overuse
C. Infection
D. Arthritis
Answer: B. Overuse

Which movement is typically painful in patients with rotator cuff injuries?
A. Abduction
B. Internal rotation
C. External rotation
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above

What is a common sign of shoulder impingement during physical examination?
A. Decreased range of motion
B. Swelling of the shoulder
C. Tenderness at the elbow
D. Weakness in the hand
Answer: A. Decreased range of motion

Which imaging technique is the gold standard for assessing rotator cuff injuries?
A. X-ray
B. Ultrasound
C. MRI
D. CT scan
Answer: C. MRI

What is a common rehabilitation exercise for rotator cuff injuries?
A. Shoulder flexion
B. Wall climbing
C. Triceps extension
D. Bicep curls
Answer: B. Wall climbing

Which shoulder position is often associated with impingement syndrome?
A. Adducted position
B. Elevated position
C. Internally rotated position
D. Externally rotated position
Answer: B. Elevated position

What is the purpose of corticosteroid injections in treating shoulder impingement?
A. To provide immediate pain relief
B. To cure the underlying condition
C. To strengthen the rotator cuff
D. To improve range of motion
Answer: A. To provide immediate pain relief

Which rotator cuff muscle is primarily responsible for arm abduction?
A. Supraspinatus
B. Infraspinatus
C. Teres minor
D. Subscapularis
Answer: A. Supraspinatus

What is the role of the subacromial bursa?
A. Reducing friction between tendons and bones
B. Protecting the rotator cuff
C. Supporting the shoulder joint
D. Absorbing shock during movement
Answer: A. Reducing friction between tendons and bones

What is a common indication for surgical intervention in rotator cuff tears?
A. Complete tear with significant weakness
B. Partial tear with no symptoms
C. Minor pain during activity
D. Full range of motion
Answer: A. Complete tear with significant weakness

What is the typical recovery time for a rotator cuff repair surgery?
A. 2-4 weeks
B. 4-6 weeks
C. 3-6 months
D. 1 year
Answer: C. 3-6 months

What is the primary goal of physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery?
A. To prevent surgery
B. To restore strength and range of motion
C. To immobilize the shoulder
D. To eliminate pain entirely
Answer: B. To restore strength and range of motion

What is a common long-term consequence of untreated shoulder impingement?
A. Increased flexibility
B. Chronic shoulder pain
C. Improved range of motion
D. None of the above
Answer: B. Chronic shoulder pain

What position is recommended for sleeping after a rotator cuff injury?
A. On the injured side
B. On the opposite side
C. On the stomach
D. With the shoulder elevated
Answer: D. With the shoulder elevated

What type of exercises should be avoided during the early stages of rehabilitation for rotator cuff injuries?
A. Stretching exercises
B. Strengthening exercises
C. Range of motion exercises
D. None of the above
Answer: B. Strengthening exercises

Which movement is considered a risk factor for rotator cuff injuries?
A. Repetitive overhead activities
B. Sitting at a desk
C. Walking
D. Lifting weights below the waist
Answer: A. Repetitive overhead activities

What is the primary symptom of shoulder impingement?
A. Pain during internal rotation
B. Pain when reaching overhead
C. Pain in the wrist
D. Pain during elbow flexion
Answer: B. Pain when reaching overhead

What is the purpose of the Hawkins-Kennedy test?
A. To assess bicep tendon integrity
B. To evaluate for rotator cuff tears
C. To diagnose shoulder impingement
D. To check for shoulder dislocation
Answer: C. To diagnose shoulder impingement

What is the significance of a positive drop arm test?
A. Indicates rotator cuff tear
B. Indicates shoulder instability
C. Indicates bicep tendon injury
D. Indicates shoulder impingement
Answer: A. Indicates rotator cuff tear

What is the role of the infraspinatus muscle?
A. Internal rotation of the shoulder
B. External rotation of the shoulder
C. Abduction of the shoulder
D. Flexion of the shoulder
Answer: B. External rotation of the shoulder

What is a common conservative treatment for rotator cuff tears?
A. Surgery
B. Rest and ice
C. Complete immobilization
D. Invasive procedures
Answer: B. Rest and ice

Which symptom indicates a need for medical evaluation of shoulder pain?
A. Pain that improves with rest
B. Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
C. Occasional discomfort during exercise
D. Mild soreness after activity
Answer: B. Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks

What is the most effective way to prevent shoulder impingement?
A. Strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers
B. Avoiding all physical activity
C. Increasing overhead lifting
D. Ignoring shoulder pain
Answer: A. Strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers

What is the first step in managing a suspected rotator cuff injury?
A. Start strength training immediately
B. Rest and avoid aggravating activities
C. Perform intense stretching
D. Consult a physician for surgery
Answer: B. Rest and avoid aggravating activities

What type of specialist is most likely to treat shoulder injuries?
A. Orthopedic surgeon
B. Cardiologist
C. Neurologist
D. Gastroenterologist
Answer: A. Orthopedic surgeon

What is an indication of an acute rotator cuff tear?
A. Gradual pain increase
B. Sudden, severe pain
C. No pain during rest
D. Chronic shoulder stiffness
Answer: B. Sudden, severe pain

Which of the following activities may exacerbate shoulder impingement?
A. Swimming
B. Weightlifting with proper form
C. Throwing a ball
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above

What is an important consideration when performing rehabilitation for rotator cuff injuries?
A. Prioritize strength over range of motion
B. Follow a gradual progression
C. Focus solely on pain relief
D. Perform exercises with maximum weight
Answer: B. Follow a gradual progression