NEET-PG 2022 — Orthopaedics

Q: Which type of supracondylar fracture of the femur is classified as extra-articular?

Type A. ***Type A*** - **Type A supracondylar fractures** are defined as those that do not involve the joint surface, making them **extra-articular**. - These fractures typically occur proximal to the condyles without extending into the knee articulation. *Type B* - **Type B supracondylar fractures** are considered **partial articular**, meaning they involve only a portion of the articular surface. - While they affect the joint, they are not completely intra-articular in nature. *Type C* - **Type C supracondylar fractures** are classified as **complete articular** fractures. - This type implies that the fracture line extends through the entire joint surface and separates the articular segment from the metaphysis. *Type D* - The classification of supracondylar femoral fractures generally uses A, B, and C types to denote extra-articular, partial articular, and complete articular involvement, respectively. - **Type D** is not a standard classification used to define an extra-articular supracondylar femoral fracture in common orthopedic systems like the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification. [Practice more Orthopaedics PYQs on OnCourse]

2 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

Questions

Which type of supracondylar fracture of the femur is classified as extra-articular?

An RTA patient presented to the emergency department with severe pain in the ankle. An X-ray was performed, given below. What is the best next step in management?

NEET-PG 2022 - Orthopaedics NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: Which type of supracondylar fracture of the femur is classified as extra-articular?

A. Type B
B. Type C
C. Type A (Correct Answer)
D. Type D

Explanation: ***Type A*** - **Type A supracondylar fractures** are defined as those that do not involve the joint surface, making them **extra-articular**. - These fractures typically occur proximal to the condyles without extending into the knee articulation. *Type B* - **Type B supracondylar fractures** are considered **partial articular**, meaning they involve only a portion of the articular surface. - While they affect the joint, they are not completely intra-articular in nature. *Type C* - **Type C supracondylar fractures** are classified as **complete articular** fractures. - This type implies that the fracture line extends through the entire joint surface and separates the articular segment from the metaphysis. *Type D* - The classification of supracondylar femoral fractures generally uses A, B, and C types to denote extra-articular, partial articular, and complete articular involvement, respectively. - **Type D** is not a standard classification used to define an extra-articular supracondylar femoral fracture in common orthopedic systems like the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification.

Question 2: An RTA patient presented to the emergency department with severe pain in the ankle. An X-ray was performed, given below. What is the best next step in management?

A. Neurovascular Assessment and Closed reduction with slab application (Correct Answer)
B. Neurovascular Assessment and Closed reduction with cast application
C. Neurovascular Assessment and Immediate surgery
D. Neurovascular Assessment and Immediate open reduction

Explanation: ***Neurovascular Assessment and Closed reduction with slab application*** - The X-ray shows an **ankle dislocation without an obvious fracture**, making **closed reduction** the appropriate initial treatment. - A **slab (splint)** is preferred over a full cast initially for acute injuries to accommodate for swelling, reducing the risk of compartment syndrome, and allowing for serial neurovascular checks. *Neurovascular Assessment and Closed reduction with cast application* - While closed reduction is correct, applying a **full cast** immediately after an acute injury carries a risk of **compartment syndrome** due to potential swelling that cannot be accommodated by a rigid cast. - A cast would typically be applied after the initial swelling has subsided, usually a few days to a week after initial reduction and splinting. *Neurovascular Assessment and Immediate surgery* - **Immediate surgery** is generally reserved for **open fractures/dislocations**, dislocations that cannot be reduced closed (irreducible dislocations), or those with significant associated fractures that require surgical fixation to stabilize the joint. - In this case, the dislocation appears to be isolated and amenable to closed reduction, making surgery not the immediate next step. *Neurovascular Assessment and Immediate open reduction* - **Open reduction** is performed when closed reduction fails or is contraindicated, for example, due to soft tissue interposition or highly unstable fracture patterns. - Since closed reduction has not yet been attempted, immediate open reduction is premature and unnecessary for an apparently simple dislocation.