Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

A female athlete presents with unusually long arms and is slightly kyphotic. Which condition may be present?

1. Ankylosing spondylitis

2. DeQuervain's syndrome

3. Haglund's deformity

4. Marfan syndrome

The correct answer is: Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body, which play a crucial role in providing structural support to organs and tissues. Individuals with Marfan syndrome typically exhibit characteristic physical features such as elongated limbs, fingers, and a tall stature. The description of a female athlete with unusually long arms aligns with this syndrome. Additionally, kyphosis, or an exaggerated curvature of the spine, can commonly occur in individuals with Marfan syndrome due to the effects on the connective tissue and support structures of the spine. In contrast, other conditions mentioned have distinct characteristics that do not align with the description provided. Ankylosing spondylitis, for instance, is a form of arthritis primarily affecting the spine and can lead to stiffness and a hunched posture but is not associated with unusually long limbs. DeQuervain's syndrome refers to a form of tendonitis affecting the thumb and does not relate to overall body structure or height. Haglund's deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel, which is unrelated to the skeletal features described. Thus, the presence of unusually long arms combined with slight kyphosis suggests that Marfan syndrome is the most probable condition in this scenario.