Answer of orthopedics and trauma MCQs

Answers, explanations, and 15 extra high-yield points related to the orthopedics and trauma multiple-choice questions

Questions are here if you want to try yourself.

1. Which fracture is commonly known as a "dinner fork" deformity due to the characteristic angulation seen on X-rays?

   Answer: a) Colles' fracture

   Explanation: Colles' fracture is a distal radius fracture with dorsal (posterior) angulation of the wrist, resembling a dinner fork deformity. It is typically caused by a fall on an outstretched hand.

2. The most common type of hip dislocation, accounting for over 90% of cases, involves the femoral head dislocating:

   Answer: a) Posteriorly

   Explanation: Posterior hip dislocations are the most common type, occurring when the femoral head is forced posteriorly out of the acetabulum. This often results from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents.

3. Which condition is characterized by inflammation of the tendon and its insertion site on the bone, often seen in the Achilles tendon or the patellar tendon?

   Answer: b) Tendinitis

   Explanation: Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon and its attachment to bone. It commonly affects tendons subjected to repetitive use, such as the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendinitis) or the patellar tendon (patellar tendinitis).

4. The "unhappy triad" refers to a combination of injuries involving the:

   Answer: d) Medial collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, and medial meniscus

   Explanation: The "unhappy triad" typically refers to the simultaneous injury of the medial collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, and medial meniscus in the knee. It often occurs from a lateral blow to the knee.

5. In a Galeazzi fracture-dislocation, which bone is fractured, and which bone is dislocated?

   Answer: a) Fractured: Radius; Dislocated: Ulna

   Explanation: In a Galeazzi fracture-dislocation, the radius is fractured, and the ulna is dislocated due to a fall on an outstretched hand. This can lead to radial shortening and angulation.

6. The "Pott's fracture" typically involves a fracture of the fibula with associated:

   Answer: b) Tibia fracture

   Explanation: A Pott's fracture is a type of ankle fracture involving a fracture of the fibula along with a rupture of the medial malleolus of the tibia. It is often seen in ankle injuries with significant force.

7. Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for evaluating ligament and cartilage injuries within joints?

   Answer: d) MRI

   Explanation: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for assessing ligament, cartilage, and soft tissue injuries within joints due to its ability to provide detailed, multi-planar images without using ionizing radiation.

8. Which spinal condition is characterized by forward slippage of one vertebra over the one beneath it, often seen in the lumbar spine?

   Answer: d) Spondylolisthesis

   Explanation: Spondylolisthesis refers to the forward displacement of one vertebra over the adjacent vertebra, often observed in the lumbar spine. It can be caused by congenital defects, degenerative changes, or trauma.

9. Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures. Which bone is commonly affected in hip fractures due to osteoporosis?

   Answer: a) Femur

   Explanation: Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them prone to fractures. Hip fractures, a serious consequence of osteoporosis, commonly involve the femoral neck or intertrochanteric region of the femur.

10. Which type of fracture occurs at the site of a preexisting abnormality, such as a bone weakened by a tumor or metabolic condition?

    Answer: a) Pathologic fracture

    Explanation: A pathologic fracture occurs in a bone that is weakened by an underlying condition, such as bone tumors (e.g., metastatic cancer) or metabolic diseases (e.g., osteoporosis). It takes less force to cause such fractures.

Extra High-Yield Points:

1. Boxer's fracture typically involves a fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck due to punching a hard object.
2. Monteggia fracture-dislocation involves a fracture of the ulna shaft with dislocation of the radial head.
3. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease) mainly affects children.
4. Greenstick fracture occurs when one side of a bone bends and the other side breaks, often seen in children.
5. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are common in pediatric patients and can lead to nerve or vascular injury.
6. A Colles' fracture is often treated with closed reduction and casting.
7. Salter-Harris fractures involve the growth plate and can affect bone growth in children.
8.  Compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening condition caused by increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment.
9. The Ottawa Ankle Rules aid in determining the need for X-rays after an ankle injury.
10.  The Lachman test is used to assess anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) integrity in the knee.
11. A hangman's fracture involves a fracture of the C2 vertebra (axis) and is often associated with traumatic events.
12. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects multiple joints symmetrically and can lead to joint deformities.
13. A positive "drawer sign" is indicative of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in the knee.
14. A bone scan can detect stress fractures, bone infections, and bone tumors by assessing bone metabolism.
15. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone often caused by bacteria, which can reach the bone through the bloodstream or from nearby infections.

Understanding these high-yield points will provide you with a strong foundation in orthopedics and trauma, helping you excel in your studies and clinical practice. Good luck!