Every musculoskeletal condition in the GMC Content Map is covered with dedicated SBA questions and full clinical explanations.
Compartment Syndrome
Emergency condition where swelling within a fascial compartment compromises blood flow, often following tibial fracture.
Septic Arthritis
Bacterial infection of a joint, typically Staphylococcus aureus, presenting with a hot, swollen, painful joint and systemic illness.
Open Fractures
Fractures communicating with the external environment, carrying a high risk of osteomyelitis.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Neurosurgical emergency due to compression of lumbosacral nerve roots, presenting with bilateral sciatica, saddle anaesthesia, and bladder/bowel dysfunction.
Shoulder Dislocation
Most commonly anterior, often from a fall or blow to an abducted and externally rotated arm, causing severe pain and a 'squared-off' shoulder.
Scaphoid Fracture
Commonly caused by a Fall on an Outstretched Hand (FOOSH), characterized by anatomical snuffbox tenderness, often not visible on initial X-ray.
Distal Radius Fracture (Colles’)
Classic FOOSH injury, especially in older women with osteoporosis, resulting in dorsal displacement and 'dinner fork' deformity.
Neck of Femur (Hip) Fracture
Common in elderly patients after a fall, presenting with hip/groin pain, inability to bear weight, and a shortened, externally rotated leg.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
Sports injury from twisting knee motion, often with a 'pop' sound, rapid swelling, and knee instability.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Degenerative 'wear and tear' condition affecting large, weight-bearing joints, causing activity-related pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Systemic inflammatory disease causing symmetrical polyarthritis of small joints, prolonged morning stiffness, and systemic symptoms.
Primary Bone Tumours
Rare but high-stakes diagnosis, suspected with persistent bone pain worse at night, not related to activity, or pathological fractures.
Every musculoskeletal question explanation references the relevant NICE guideline.
Covers assessment and management of low back pain and sciatica, including red flags for Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Guidance on the assessment and management of non-complex fractures, including initial imaging and follow-up.
Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of osteoarthritis, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Guidance on the management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults, covering drug treatments and multidisciplinary care.
Understand Orthopaedic Emergencies
Prioritize conditions like Compartment Syndrome and Cauda Equina Syndrome. Learn their rapid recognition and decisive management to prevent severe outcomes.
Master Fracture Management
Familiarize yourself with common fracture types (e.g., scaphoid, distal radius, hip) and their key diagnostic signs, initial management, and potential complications.
Differentiate Inflammatory vs. Degenerative Joint Disease
Be able to distinguish between conditions like Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis based on clinical presentation, affected joints, and systemic features.
Recognize Red Flags in Spinal Conditions
Learn to identify 'red flag' symptoms in back pain that warrant urgent investigation, such as neurological deficits, constitutional symptoms, or a history of malignancy.
Apply the 'Look, Feel, Move' Approach
When presented with musculoskeletal vignettes, systematically apply the 'Look, Feel, Move' framework to interpret examination findings and formulate a diagnosis or management plan.
Musculoskeletal topics typically account for a significant portion of the PLAB 1 exam, often ranging from 6-8% of AKT items. This includes orthopaedic emergencies, fractures, and rheumatological conditions.
High-yield topics include orthopaedic emergencies like Compartment Syndrome and Cauda Equina Syndrome, common fractures (e.g., scaphoid, distal radius, hip), and differentiating between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Key NICE guidelines include those on low back pain and sciatica (NG143), non-complex fractures (NG212), osteoarthritis (CG177), and rheumatoid arthritis (NG107). Familiarity with these is crucial for clinical practice and the exam.
Focus on understanding the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and immediate management of orthopaedic emergencies. Practice interpreting X-rays and differentiating between similar conditions. Utilize a structured approach like 'Look, Feel, Move' for vignettes.
Red flags for Cauda Equina Syndrome include bilateral sciatica, saddle (perianal) anaesthesia, bladder dysfunction (retention more common), bowel dysfunction, and reduced anal tone. Urgent referral for MRI is critical if suspected.