Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Which signs might you find during a physical exam of a patient with facet joint syndrome?

1. Signs of muscle hypertrophy

2. Signs of spasm at segmental level

3. Fever and swelling in the joints

4. Weakness in the lower limbs

The correct answer is: Signs of spasm at segmental level

In a patient with facet joint syndrome, one would expect to find signs of spasm at the segmental level during a physical exam. Facet joint syndrome often results from arthritis, injury, or degenerative changes that lead to inflammation and pain in the facet joints, which are the small joints located between the vertebrae in the spine. This inflammation can cause the surrounding muscles to react by going into spasm as they try to stabilize the affected area and protect it from movement that may exacerbate pain. Muscle spasms are a common response when the body is experiencing pain and discomfort in a specific area, such as the facet joints. The spasm may limit mobility and contribute to additional pain, creating a cycle that further complicates the patient's situation. This symptom is crucial for clinicians to identify, as it can guide treatment options, including physical therapy, medication, or other interventions aimed at relieving muscle tension and addressing joint issues. The other choices, while related to different conditions, are less characteristic of facet joint syndrome. Signs of muscle hypertrophy are not typically associated with the pain and instability caused by facet joint issues. Fever and swelling in the joints are more indicative of inflammatory conditions like septic arthritis or rheumatologic diseases rather than mechanical joint problems.