Plate Osteosynthesis — MCQs
Nonunion is most common in fracture of the:
Open reduction (OR) is not required in which fracture?
Which of the following is a contraindication for open reduction & internal fixation (ORIF)?
First-line treatment for non-displaced scaphoid fracture
Minimally invasive Percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO technique) is of use in:
In hand injury, the first structure to be repaired should be?
Which of the following is the appropriate treatment for atrophic non-union?
The X-ray shows plating done for a fracture. How does this fracture heal?
Identify the implant shown in the image:
Locking compression plating is commonly indicated in which of the following fracture types?
Plate Osteosynthesis Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Nonunion is most common in fracture of the:
- A. Talus
- B. Neck femur (Correct Answer)
- C. Scapula
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Neck femur*** - Fractures of the **femoral neck** are highly prone to **nonunion** due to the precarious and often-disrupted blood supply to the femoral head, particularly the **retinacular arteries**. - The high biomechanical stress and difficulty in achieving stable fixation in this region further contribute to the increased risk of nonunion. *Talus* - While talar fractures, especially those of the **talar neck**, can have a high incidence of complications like **avascular necrosis** due to limited blood supply, nonunion is less common than in femoral neck fractures. - The talus has a complex vascular network that, while vulnerable, often allows for healing. *Scapula* - **Scapular fractures** are generally uncommon and, when they occur, typically heal well without surgical intervention. - Due to the surrounding musculature and rich vascular supply, nonunion of the scapula is extremely rare. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **nonunion is indeed a significant problem** in specific fractures, particularly those of the femoral neck, making it a viable answer.
Question 2: Open reduction (OR) is not required in which fracture?
- A. Fracture of the patella
- B. Fracture of the outer one-third of the radius (Correct Answer)
- C. Displaced fracture of the olecranon
- D. Fracture of the condyle of the humerus
Explanation: ***Fracture of the outer one-third of the radius*** - Fractures of the **outer one-third of the radius** (distal radius fractures) often can be managed with **closed reduction and casting** if stable and adequately reduced. - While some unstable distal radius fractures require OR, many stable patterns, especially those with minimal displacement or good alignment after closed manipulation, do not. *Fracture of the patella* - Many patellar fractures lead to significant **extensor mechanism disruption**, necessitating OR with **tension band wiring** or screw fixation to restore quadriceps function. - Displaced patellar fractures, especially transverse ones, require surgical fixation to prevent extensor lag and **nonunion**. *Displaced fracture of the olecranon* - Displaced olecranon fractures disrupt the **triceps mechanism** and compromise elbow stability, almost always requiring **open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)**, typically with tension band wiring. - Without surgical repair, a displaced olecranon fracture can lead to significant loss of extension strength and **nonunion**. *Fracture of the condyle of the humerus* - Fractures of the humeral condyle, particularly in children, often require OR due to the risk of **avascular necrosis** (especially lateral condyle) and the need for **precise anatomical reduction** to prevent joint incongruity and cubitus varus/valgus deformities. - Intra-articular and displaced condylar fractures almost invariably require surgical intervention to ensure harmonious joint function and prevent long-term complications like **stiffness and deformity**.
Question 3: Which of the following is a contraindication for open reduction & internal fixation (ORIF)?
- A. Active infection
- B. Soft bones
- C. Soft tissue contractures around the fracture site
- D. All of the options (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***All of the options*** - **Active infection** at the surgical site is a significant contraindication for ORIF due to the high risk of **osteomyelitis** and implant failure. - **Soft bones**, such as those found in patients with **osteoporosis**, may not adequately hold the internal fixation devices (screws, plates), leading to implant loosening or cutout. - **Soft tissue contractures** around the fracture site can make surgical access difficult, compromise soft tissue coverage, and increase the risk of wound complications and poor functional outcomes. *Active infection* - While a direct contraindication, it's not the *only* one for ORIF. - Performing ORIF in the presence of infection significantly increases the risk of **surgical site infection** and implant failure, potentially leading to chronic osteomyelitis. *Soft bones* - This is a significant challenge for ORIF, as the bone quality may not be sufficient to hold the hardware securely. - It increases the risk of **implant failure** and non-union, but again, it's not the sole contraindication listed. *Soft tissue contractures around the fracture site* - Severe contractures can **impede surgical exposure**, make anatomical reduction difficult, and compromise the vascularity of the tissues. - This can lead to increased rates of **wound complications** and poor healing, but it is one of several contraindications.
Question 4: First-line treatment for non-displaced scaphoid fracture
- A. Compression Plating
- B. Compression Screws
- C. Conservative (Correct Answer)
- D. Traction
Explanation: ***Conservative*** - Non-displaced scaphoid fractures are typically managed conservatively with **cast immobilization** due to the bone's precarious blood supply. - This approach aims for sufficient **healing without operative risks**, with a long casting period (often 6-12 weeks) to ensure union. *Compression Plating* - **Compression plating** is generally reserved for **complex or displaced scaphoid fractures** that require more robust fixation. - It is an **invasive surgical option** that carries risks beyond what is typically necessary for a non-displaced fracture. *Compression Screws* - **Compression screws** (e.g., Herbert screw) are used for **surgical fixation** of scaphoid fractures, particularly displaced or unstable types. - This method is more invasive than conservative management and involves risks like **avascular necrosis** or **non-union** if not properly performed. *Traction* - **Traction** is rarely used as a primary treatment for scaphoid fractures; its application is more common in **dislocations** or **certain complex fractures** to maintain alignment. - Applying traction to a scaphoid fracture could potentially exacerbate instability rather than promote union.
Question 5: Minimally invasive Percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO technique) is of use in:
- A. Fracture with metaphyseal comminution (Correct Answer)
- B. Segmental fracture
- C. Spiral fracture
- D. Oblique fracture
Explanation: ***Fracture with metaphyseal comminution*** - The **MIPPO technique** is particularly useful for achieving stability in fractures with **metaphyseal comminution** by bridging the comminuted zone with a plate applied percutaneously. - This approach minimizes soft tissue dissection, preserving **periosteal blood supply**, which is crucial for healing in these complex fractures. *Segmental fracture* - While MIPPO can be used, **segmental fractures** often require more direct reduction and stabilization of both fracture segments, which might be challenging with a purely percutaneous approach alone. - The primary concern in segmental fractures is often maintaining length and alignment across two distinct fracture lines. *Spiral fracture* - **Spiral fractures** are typically inherently stable after reduction and are often amenable to intramedullary nailing or less invasive plate fixation, as the fracture pattern allows for good interfragmentary compression. - The main advantage of MIPPO (minimizing soft tissue stripping around comminution) is less critical in these stable, non-comminuted patterns. *Oblique fracture* - Similar to spiral fractures, **oblique fractures** are often amenable to primary screw fixation or conventional plating techniques due to their stable nature after reduction and good contact between fracture fragments. - The specific advantages of MIPPO for comminuted fractures are less relevant for simple oblique patterns.
Question 6: In hand injury, the first structure to be repaired should be?
- A. Skin
- B. Muscle
- C. Nerve
- D. Bone (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Bone*** - In hand injury, **skeletal stability** is paramount and is typically the first structure to be addressed to provide a stable foundation. - Repairing bone first allows for proper alignment and length restoration, which is crucial for the subsequent repair of soft tissues like tendons, nerves, and vessels. *Skin* - While skin closure is the final step in wound management, it should only be performed after deeper structures like bone, tendons, and nerves have been repaired. - Repairing the skin first would prevent access to underlying damaged structures and could lead to functional impairment. *Muscle* - Muscle repair is important for restoring function but should follow bone stabilization to ensure proper length and tension. - Unstable bone fragments can impede effective muscle repair and healing. *Nerve* - Nerve repair is critical for restoring sensation and motor function and should be done with meticulous attention to detail. - However, nerve repair typically follows bone stabilization and sometimes tendon repair, as a stable environment is necessary for successful nerve coaptation and healing.
Question 7: Which of the following is the appropriate treatment for atrophic non-union?
- A. External fixation
- B. Application of cast
- C. Stabilization and bone grafting (Correct Answer)
- D. Internal fixation
Explanation: ***Stabilization and bone grafting*** - Atrophic non-union is characterized by a **lack of biological activity** and an **absence of callus formation**, requiring both **biological stimulation** (bone graft) and **mechanical stability** (stabilization). - Bone grafting provides **osteogenic cells**, **osteoconductive scaffold**, and **osteoinductive growth factors** to promote healing, while stabilization ensures the fracture fragments remain in apposition. *External fixation* - While providing stability, external fixation alone does not address the **biological deficiency** inherent in atrophic non-union. - It's mainly used for **open fractures**, **comminuted fractures**, or when internal fixation is not feasible, often as a temporary measure. *Application of cast* - A cast provides some immobilization but is generally insufficient for non-union, especially atrophic types, due to its **limited stability** and inability to compress the fracture site effectively. - It also does not contribute to the **biological stimulation** needed for healing in atrophic non-unions. *Internal fixation* - Internal fixation provides stability, but in atrophic non-union, the primary issue is a **lack of healing potential**, not just instability. - Without a concomitant **bone graft**, internal fixation alone is unlikely to achieve union in atrophic non-unions.
Question 8: The X-ray shows plating done for a fracture. How does this fracture heal?
- A. Primary healing (Correct Answer)
- B. Secondary healing
- C. Tertiary healing
- D. Distraction histiogenesis
Explanation: **Primary healing** - **Plating of a fracture** aims to achieve **absolute stability** at the fracture site, which facilitates primary bone healing. - In primary healing, there is **direct bone formation** across the fracture gap without the formation of a significant callus. *Secondary healing* - Secondary healing involves the formation of a **callus** (fibrous tissue, cartilage, and immature bone) to bridge the fracture gap. - This type of healing occurs in situations with **relative stability** and some micromotion at the fracture site, such as with casting or intramedullary nailing. *Tertiary healing* - **Tertiary healing** is not a recognized term in the context of fracture healing. - Bone healing typically involves either primary or secondary mechanisms depending on the stability achieved. *Distraction histiogenesis* - **Distraction histiogenesis** is the process by which new bone is formed between bone surfaces that are gradually pulled apart using an external fixator (**distraction osteogenesis**). - This is used in procedures like **limb lengthening** and is distinct from the direct healing of a fracture fixed with a plate.
Question 9: Identify the implant shown in the image:
- A. Dynamic hip screw (Correct Answer)
- B. Cannulated hip screw
- C. Condylar hip screw
- D. Intramedullary nail
Explanation: ***Dynamic hip screw*** - The image shows a **lag screw** inserted into the femoral neck and head, which slides within a **side plate** attached to the femoral shaft with cortical screws. - This construct allows for controlled **dynamic collapse** and impaction at the fracture site, promoting healing and providing stable fixation for **extracapsular hip fractures**. *Cannulated hip screw* - Cannulated screws are typically used in a **parallel configuration** or as a single large screw for hip fractures, particularly **femoral neck fractures**. - They do not feature a **side plate** that extends down the femoral shaft for additional fixation. *Condylar hip screw* - A condylar hip screw (DCS) is used for **distal femur fractures**, often extending into the **condyles**. - It involves a different angulation and design compared to the proximal femoral implant seen, which is fixed to the femoral shaft. *Intramedullary nail* - An intramedullary nail is inserted into the **medullary canal** of the bone, running through its center. - While some hip nails (e.g., trochanteric nails) have a cephalic screw component, they primarily stabilize the shaft from within, unlike the **extracortical side plate** seen here.
Question 10: Locking compression plating is commonly indicated in which of the following fracture types?
- A. Periaicular fractures
- B. Transverse or oblique fractures of long bones (Correct Answer)
- C. Interochanteric fractures
- D. Fracture of long bones
Explanation: ***Transverse or oblique fractures of long bones*** - **Locking compression plates (LCPs)** are particularly well-suited for **transverse or oblique fractures of long bones** because they provide angular stability, preventing screw pullout even in compromised bone. - Their design allows for a **fixed-angle construct**, which helps maintain alignment and promotes biological healing by minimizing periosteal stripping. *Periaicular fractures* - While LCPs can be used in some **periarticular fractures**, their primary indication is not specifically these fractures, and their benefit is often related to the bone quality of the metaphysis rather than the articulation itself. - These fractures often require careful contouring of plates to conform to the complex anatomy, and sometimes require different fixation strategies. *Interochanteric fractures* - **Intertrochanteric fractures** of the femur are typically treated with intramedullary nails (e.g., trochanteric entry nails) or dynamic hip screws, which are better suited for load-sharing in this weight-bearing region. - Plates, especially LCPs, are generally not the first-line treatment for these fractures due to the high biomechanical forces and risk of cutout. *Fracture of long bones* - This option is too general; while LCPs are used for some **long bone fractures**, it is not indicated for all types. Many long bone fractures are better treated with intramedullary nailing or traditional non-locked plating. - The specific fracture pattern (e.g., comminuted, transverse, oblique) and location within the long bone determine the most appropriate fixation method.
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