MSK for the MSRA

High-Yield Musculoskeletal Revision Notes, SBA Question Bank, Flashcards & Rapid Quizzes

Musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine is a high-yield and often underestimated section of the MSRA. It spans acute presentations, chronic joint conditions, red-flag emergencies, and common primary care complaints. Strong MSK performance improves your CPS score significantly due to the frequency of MSK presentations in everyday practice.

MSK for the MSRA is designed to simplify the wide range of MSK conditions while teaching the clinical reasoning, imaging choices, and management decisions expected in the exam. This course integrates structured revision notes, MSRA-style SBAs/EMQs, rapid quizzes, and high-yield flashcards to build confidence and mastery.

Whether you’re new to MSK or improving your knowledge before the exam, this course provides a structured, focused pathway to success.

⭐ What This Course Includes

🔹 1. Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Revision Notes

Clear, concise, exam-oriented notes covering all key MSK topics, including:

• Back pain (red flags, sciatica, cauda equina, when to image)

• Osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis

• Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

• Inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)

• Gout and pseudogout

• Fracture patterns & first-line assessments

• Shoulder conditions (rotator cuff disease, frozen shoulder, dislocation)

• Knee pain (ACL injury, meniscal tears, OA)

• Hip pain (OA, trochanteric pain syndrome, fractures)

• Foot & ankle disorders (plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy)

• Septic arthritis & osteomyelitis (urgent management)

• Soft tissue injuries

• Analgesia ladder & MSK pharmacology

• Imaging selection: X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, CT

Each section includes red flags, management steps, when to refer, and MSRA-focused decision-making.

🔹 2. MSK Question Bank (MSRA-Style)

A rich question bank of MSRA-standard single best answers (SBAs) and EMQs, testing:

• Diagnosis based on clinical presentation

• When to order imaging (NICE-aligned)

• Acute vs chronic management approaches

• Differentiating mechanical vs inflammatory pain

• When to refer to orthopaedics or rheumatology

• Identifying red-flag conditions requiring urgent action

• Interpretation of joint aspiration findings

• Management of gout, OA, PMR, RA, and soft tissue injuries

Each question includes a clear explanation and breakdown of the reasoning.

🔹 3. High-Yield Flashcards

Covering rapid-recall essentials:

• Acute management of gout

• PMR features & steroid dosing

• RA vs OA differences

• Red flag features in back pain

• Common joint aspiration results

• Shoulder pathology quick comparisons

• Imaging decision trees

Perfect for daily revision sessions.

🔹 4. Rapid Quizzes & Mixed MSK Tests

Short, focused quizzes used to:

• Build speed

• Improve clinical pattern recognition

• Strengthen imaging choices

• Test red-flag identification

Ideal for last-minute practice and spaced repetition.

🔹 5. Structured Learning Journey

A clear progression through:

Core MSK principles → applied clinical scenarios → exam-level questions → rapid recall,

giving you efficient and long-lasting knowledge retention.

🎯 Who This Course Is For

Designed for:

• MSRA candidates across all specialties

• Foundation doctors needing improved MSK confidence

• IMGs preparing for UK practice

• Learners who want to master MSK exam patterns and common pitfalls

📈 Why MSK Matters in the MSRA

Musculoskeletal problems are among the most common GP consultations, making them frequently tested in the MSRA.

High-yield topics include:

• Differentiating mechanical vs inflammatory pain

• Managing acute gout

• PMR red flags

• RA flare management

• Back pain imaging decisions

• Shoulder and knee injury assessment

• Septic arthritis red flags

• Osteoporosis basics (if included within MSK content)

Mastering MSK is one of the easiest ways to increase your score.

🔗 Useful Links for Your MSRA Preparation

📘 Free MSRA SJT Textbook (100-page structured SJT guide)

👉 https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/msra-sjt-textbook/

📝 MSRA SJT Mock Papers (x10)

👉 https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/sjt-msra-mock-papers-x-10/

▶️ MSRA YouTube Channel

Free video explanations, exam walkthroughs, and SJT strategy content.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@PasstheMSRA

🟦 MSRA Reddit Communities

PassTheMSRA:
👉 https://www.reddit.com/r/passtheMSRA/

FreeMSRA:
👉 https://www.reddit.com/r/freeMSRA/

These are active communities for sharing tips, strategies, and updates.

🎧 MSRA Spotify Podcasts

Hundreds of free episodes covering SJT reasoning, GMC principles, and exam mindset.
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/0dlSxYEBKhpTvCy2B4fAeT?si=f2f87048982c4543