A 30-year-old woman with chronic low back pain and generaliz…

A 30-year-old woman with chronic low back pain and generalized anxiety disorder presents with acute worsening of her pain. She denies fever, weight loss, or trauma. She reports that the pain is worst in the morning and improves with activity during the day. Vital signs are stable. On exam, there are limitations in lumbar flexion and extension, but the straight-leg raise is negative. Motor and sensory testing are normal bilaterally, and Achilles and patellar reflexes are +2. Which diagnostic test category is her back pain most likely to fall into?

Your next patient is a 41-year-old male with no significant…

Your next patient is a 41-year-old male with no significant past medical history who fell while playing a pick-up basketball game. As he landed on the ball of his foot after a jump shot, he recalls hearing a sudden “popping” sound, followed by immediate pain in his right posterior ankle. On exam, there is edema and tenderness to palpation over the posterior ankle, and he is unable to plantarflex the right foot. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Your next patient is a 34-year-old female  with a “twisted a…

Your next patient is a 34-year-old female  with a “twisted ankle” after stepping off a curb 3 days ago and came down “wrong.” She reports lateral ankle pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Exam shows tenderness over the anterior talofibular ligament, but no tenderness at the base of the 5th metatarsal or navicular. Neurovascular exam is intact. What is the most appropriate next step?

A 73-year-old woman presents with progressive hip pain and s…

A 73-year-old woman presents with progressive hip pain and stiffness for several months. She now struggles with activities such as putting on shoes. On exam, there is limited internal rotation and pain with ROM testing. What is the most likely cause of her hip pain?