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Master the Lower Extremity Assessment Quiz

Test Your Lower Limb Assessment Knowledge Today

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements related to Lower Extremity Assessment Quiz

Ready to master lower extremity assessment? This engaging Lower Limb Muscle Anatomy Quiz dives into muscle functions, biomechanics, and palpation techniques to sharpen your clinical skills. Ideal for physical therapy students and healthcare professionals, this lower extremity assessment quiz offers instant feedback to reinforce learning and build confidence. Take advantage of our easy-to-use editor to customise questions and tailor the experience for any training setting. After testing your knowledge here, challenge yourself with a Knowledge Assessment Quiz or explore more quizzes to broaden your expertise.

Which bony landmark is located at the anterior superior part of the pelvis and is used as a reference in lower extremity assessments?
Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
Ischial tuberosity
Greater trochanter
Posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS)
The ASIS is a prominent bony landmark on the anterior pelvis used for alignment and measurement in lower limb assessment. It serves as a reliable reference for goniometric placements and muscle length tests.
Which bone forms the lateral malleolus of the ankle?
Fibula
Tibia
Talus
Calcaneus
The distal end of the fibula forms the lateral malleolus, providing lateral stability to the ankle joint. The tibia forms the medial malleolus on the inner side.
What is the primary action of the quadriceps femoris muscle group?
Knee extension
Hip extension
Knee flexion
Hip abduction
The quadriceps femoris group is the main knee extensor, contracting to straighten the knee. Other muscles, like the hamstrings, handle knee flexion.
Which muscle can be palpated on the anterior aspect of the tibia when the foot is dorsiflexed?
Tibialis anterior
Peroneus longus
Gastrocnemius
Soleus
Tibialis anterior runs along the anterior tibia and is most prominent when the foot is dorsiflexed. It is the prime dorsiflexor of the ankle.
What is the typical normal range of motion for knee flexion in degrees?
0 - 120°
0 - 135°
0 - 140°
0 - 150°
Normal knee flexion is generally 0 - 135°, allowing adequate bending for activities like sitting or squatting. Values below this may indicate joint or soft-tissue restrictions.
Which muscle primarily abducts the hip and stabilizes the pelvis during the stance phase of gait?
Gluteus medius
Gluteus maximus
Tensor fasciae latae
Piriformis
The gluteus medius abducts the hip and prevents contralateral pelvic drop during the stance phase of gait. Weakness leads to a Trendelenburg gait.
The anterior drawer test at the ankle primarily assesses the integrity of which ligament?
Anterior talofibular ligament
Calcaneofibular ligament
Deltoid ligament
Posterior talofibular ligament
The anterior drawer test stresses the anterior talofibular ligament by translating the talus anteriorly in the mortise. Increased laxity indicates an ATFL sprain.
When performing manual muscle testing for hip flexion, which patient position is recommended to isolate the muscle effectively?
Seated with hip flexed to 90°
Prone with knee flexed
Side-lying on test side
Standing unsupported
Testing hip flexion in a seated position with the hip at 90° minimizes compensation from other muscles and gravity. This position isolates the iliopsoas and rectus femoris.
The greater trochanter can be palpated just inferior and lateral to which landmark?
Iliac crest
Anterior superior iliac spine
Ischial tuberosity
Pubic symphysis
The greater trochanter lies just below and lateral to the iliac crest on the proximal femur. It is a key landmark for hip joint measurements.
What is the normal range of motion for hip extension when measured in a supine position?
0 - 20°
0 - 40°
0 - 10°
0 - 30°
Normal hip extension in supine is about 0 - 20°. Limited hip extension may indicate tight hip flexors or capsular restrictions.
Foot drop suggests compromise of which nerve?
Common peroneal nerve
Tibial nerve
Sural nerve
Femoral nerve
The common peroneal nerve innervates dorsiflexors; damage leads to foot drop. Tibial nerve issues affect plantarflexion rather than dorsiflexion.
The Lachman test is used to assess the integrity of which structure?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
The Lachman test applies anterior translation to the tibia at 30° flexion to evaluate ACL integrity. Increased anterior displacement indicates ACL injury.
Where should the axis of the goniometer be placed when measuring knee flexion?
Lateral femoral epicondyle
Medial femoral epicondyle
Tibial tuberosity
Lateral malleolus
The lateral femoral epicondyle serves as the pivot point for knee flexion goniometry. Proper placement ensures accurate measurement of joint angle.
A positive McMurray test indicates injury to which structure?
Meniscus
ACL
PCL
LCL
McMurray's test applies rotational stress to the tibiofemoral joint to detect meniscal tears. A click or pain suggests a torn meniscus.
The valgus stress test at 30° of knee flexion primarily assesses which ligament?
Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
ACL
PCL
Valgus stress at 30° flexion isolates the MCL by stressing the medial joint line. Increased laxity indicates MCL injury.
A patient presents with limited ankle dorsiflexion and a noticeable forefoot pronation during stance. Which muscle group should be the primary focus of stretching to improve dorsiflexion?
Gastrocnemius-soleus complex
Tibialis posterior
Peroneus brevis
Flexor hallucis longus
Tight gastrocnemius-soleus muscles restrict ankle dorsiflexion, leading to compensatory forefoot pronation. Stretching this group restores dorsiflexion range.
During gait analysis, a patient demonstrates a pelvis drop on the swing side. A positive Trendelenburg test confirms weakness in which muscle?
Gluteus medius on the stance side
Gluteus maximus on the swing side
Tensor fasciae latae on the swing side
Piriformis on the stance side
A Trendelenburg sign, indicated by contralateral pelvic drop, shows weakness of the stance”side gluteus medius, which normally stabilizes the pelvis.
In a suspected femoral nerve injury, which deep tendon reflex is most likely to be diminished?
Patellar tendon reflex
Achilles tendon reflex
Hamstring reflex
Plantar reflex
The femoral nerve innervates the quadriceps, whose contraction elicits the patellar reflex. Damage to this nerve reduces or abolishes that reflex.
A muscle that performs full range of motion against gravity and tolerates moderate resistance in manual muscle testing receives which grade?
4/5
2/5
3/5
5/5
A 4/5 grade indicates full range against gravity with moderate resistance. Grade 5/5 is full strength against strong resistance.
A patient exhibits diminished Achilles tendon reflex. This finding most likely indicates involvement of which nerve root?
S1
L4
L2
S3
The Achilles reflex is mediated primarily by the S1 nerve root. A diminished response suggests S1 involvement or pathology.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse key anatomical landmarks of the lower extremity
  2. Identify major muscle functions and biomechanical roles
  3. Evaluate joint range of motion and stability assessments
  4. Demonstrate accurate palpation of lower limb muscles
  5. Apply standard protocols to assess neuromuscular deficits
  6. Interpret clinical findings to inform treatment planning

Cheat Sheet

  1. Spot the Landmarks - Getting to know the greater trochanter, ischial tuberosity, and anterior superior iliac spine feels like unlocking secret codes on the lower body. These landmarks anchor muscle attachments and reveal joint mechanics so you can move from "huh?" to "aha!" in no time. Start your adventure by mapping them out on yourself or a study buddy. Lower Extremity Landmarks - TeachMe Orthopedics
  2. Master the Movers - Dive into the world of quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to see how they team up for walking, jumping, and balancing acts. Knowing their primary functions helps you predict how each muscle group contributes during real-life movements. Turn this knowledge into a muscle”power cheat sheet! Lower Limb Anatomy: Bones, Muscles, Nerves, Vessels | Kenhub
  3. Range of Motion Revelations - Hip, knee, and ankle each have their "comfort zones" of motion, and spotting when joints exceed or fall short of these ranges is key for assessments. Practice measuring flexion, extension, and rotation to distinguish normal movement from dysfunction. You'll feel like a joint”range superhero in no time! Musculoskeletal Assessment: Joint Range of Motion, Muscle Testing, and Function | Wolters Kluwer
  4. Manual Muscle Magic - Put on your clinician's hat and learn how to apply resistance tests for each lower limb muscle - grade strength from zero to five like a pro. These hands”on skills ensure you can evaluate muscle function accurately and track patient progress over time. Bonus: it's a great way to flex both brains and biceps! Structured Manual Muscle Testing of the Lower Limbs - PubMed
  5. Palpation Power - Feel the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and other key muscles under the skin to assess tone and detect knots or irregularities. Accurate palpation bridges textbook diagrams and real bodies, giving you tactile confidence in your diagnoses. Practice repeatedly - your fingertips are your best study tools! Structured Manual Muscle Testing of the Lower Limbs - PMC
  6. Neuromuscular Detective Work - Hunt for reflex responses and test sensory thresholds to pinpoint nerve impairments in the lower extremities. Understanding standard protocols for reflex and sensory exams means you can spot subtle neuromuscular deficits quickly. Channel your inner Sherlock to solve every neural mystery! Structured Manual Muscle Testing of the Lower Limbs - PMC
  7. Clinical Clues and Interpretation - Combine muscle strength data, joint stability checks, and range measurements to form a clear picture of each patient's function. Translating raw assessment data into treatment plans is where science meets art - your interpretations guide effective rehab strategies. The better you synthesize findings, the smarter your treatment game becomes! Musculoskeletal Assessment: Joint Range of Motion, Muscle Testing, and Function | Wolters Kluwer
  8. Injury Spotting 101 - Recognize common sprains, strains, and overuse injuries by their telltale signs - swelling, bruising, guarding, and movement pain. Familiarity with typical presentations accelerates your diagnostic speed and improves patient outcomes. It's like developing a sixth sense for what's gone wrong under the skin! Lower Limb Anatomy: Bones, Muscles, Nerves, Vessels | Kenhub
  9. Gait Geekery - Explore the biomechanics of walking and running to understand how each muscle and joint choreographs our daily travels. Spot deviations in stance, swing, and support phases to diagnose gait abnormalities and recommend corrective exercises. Soon you'll decode every step like a biomechanics wizard! Lower Limb Anatomy: Bones, Muscles, Nerves, Vessels | Kenhub
  10. Evidence-Based Edge - Keep your practice cutting-edge by reviewing the latest research on lower extremity assessment techniques and treatment protocols. Staying current ensures your evaluations and rehab plans are founded on solid, up-to-date evidence - no guesswork involved. Make literature reviews your study superpower! Musculoskeletal Assessment: Joint Range of Motion, Muscle Testing, and Function | Wolters Kluwer
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