National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

In assessing a patient after tendon release surgery, what is the BEST plan for confirming the relaxation of the PF muscles?

1. Put EMG electrode on rectus femoris

2. Put EMG electrode on PFs

3. Put EMG electrode on ankle DFs

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Put EMG electrode on PFs

Confirming the relaxation of the patellar femoris (PF) muscles, especially after tendon release surgery, requires a direct assessment of the muscles affected by this procedure. Placing an EMG electrode on the patellar femoris allows for a focused evaluation of muscle activity in that specific area. By monitoring the electrical activity generated by muscle contractions, clinicians can ascertain whether the PF muscles are in a relaxed state or exhibiting undue tension. By contrast, placing an EMG electrode on the rectus femoris measures activity in a different muscle that is part of the quadriceps group but does not provide direct information about the patellar femoris itself. Similarly, monitoring the ankle dorsiflexors offers insights into the ankle's muscle function rather than the relaxation state of the PF muscles. Therefore, targeting the EMG directly on the PFs is the most effective way to assess their relaxation status post-surgery.