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

Based on the evaluation of a hockey player with right hip pain, which condition is most likely indicated by a weight shift to the left side?

1. Abduction muscle strain

2. Femoral neck stress fracture

3. Lumbar disk herniation

4. Trochanteric bursitis

The correct answer is: Lumbar disk herniation

A weight shift to the left side in a hockey player experiencing right hip pain is most indicative of a compensatory mechanism to relieve discomfort or instability in the affected hip. This behavior suggests that the player is attempting to avoid weight bearing on the painful right hip, indicating potential issues with structures involved in the hip joint or adjacent areas. A lumbar disk herniation could cause referred pain or discomfort in the hip and result in altered gait mechanics as the individual seeks to minimize pain during movement. The player may shift their weight to maintain balance and comfort, as a herniated disk can affect lower extremity strength and sensation. It's important to note that while other conditions such as an abduction muscle strain or trochanteric bursitis could also cause hip pain, they may not solely explain the weight shift behavior observed. A femoral neck stress fracture is more likely to cause immediate and sharp pain on weight bearing, resulting in no compensation. In contrast, a lumbar disk herniation specifically provides a rationale for weight redistribution, illustrating the connection between pain perception and biomechanical adjustments.