College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which of the following indicates effective assessment for a joint injury?

1. Visual inspection only

2. Tibiofemoral joint play

3. Palpation of the muscle group

4. Range of motion testing

The correct answer is: Tibiofemoral joint play

The indication of effective assessment for a joint injury is best represented by evaluating the tibiofemoral joint play. This type of assessment provides valuable insight into the overall function and stability of the joint, allowing a practitioner to identify any restrictions in movement or abnormal joint mechanics. Joint play refers to the small, passive movements that occur between the bones within a joint, which are crucial for proper function. Assessing this can indicate whether there are issues with joint stability or alignment, which are common concerns with joint injuries. While visual inspection, palpation of the muscle group, and range of motion testing can all contribute to a comprehensive assessment, they do not focus solely on the integrity and movement capabilities of the joint itself as effectively as joint play assessment does. Visual inspection may reveal surface-level issues but won't provide details on depth or underlying joint mechanics. Palpation is important, but it focuses on the muscle group surrounding the joint rather than the joint's internal status. Range of motion testing assesses the functional ability of the joint but doesn't specifically address the nuanced movements and play that can highlight deeper joint issues. Therefore, evaluating the tibiofemoral joint play is key to a thorough understanding of the joint's condition in a scenario of injury.