Trauma Practice Questions

Q: Most common nerve injured in fracture of medial epicondyle of humerus is:

Ulnar nerve. ***Ulnar nerve*** - The **ulnar nerve** runs directly behind the **medial epicondyle** of the humerus in a groove called the **cubital tunnel**, making it highly vulnerable to injury during fractures of this bony prominence. - Injury to the ulnar nerve at this location can cause symptoms like **numbness and tingling** in the **little finger and half of the ring finger**, **weakness in certain hand muscles**, and eventually a **"claw hand" deformity**. *Radial nerve* - The **radial nerve** courses along the posterior aspect of the humerus in the **spiral groove** and is more commonly injured with **mid-shaft humeral fractures**. - Injury typically results in **wrist drop** and **sensory loss over the dorsum of the hand**. *Median nerve* - The **median nerve** travels more anteriorly in the arm and forearm and is most commonly injured with **supracondylar fractures of the humerus** or **carpal tunnel syndrome** at the wrist. - Damage leads to **ape hand deformity** and sensory deficits over the **thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger**. *Musculocutaneous nerve* - The **musculocutaneous nerve** innervates the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles and provides sensation to the lateral forearm; it is **less commonly injured in elbow fractures**. - Injury would primarily affect **elbow flexion** and **sensation over the lateral forearm**, which is not the typical presentation for medial epicondyle fractures.

Q: What is the most common type of shoulder dislocation?

Anterior. ***Anterior*** - **Anterior shoulder dislocations** account for more than 95% of all shoulder dislocations due to the anatomical vulnerability created by the lack of structural support anteriorly. - The **humeral head** displaces anteriorly and inferiorly relative to the glenoid, often resulting from **abduction and external rotation** forces. *Subcoracoid* - **Subcoracoid dislocation** is a specific type of **anterior dislocation** where the humeral head specifically lies inferior to the coracoid process. - While it is a common presentation of anterior dislocation, "anterior" refers to the broader category and hence is the more encompassing and correct answer. *Subclavicular* - **Subclavicular dislocation** is an even rarer type of **anterior dislocation** where the humeral head is displaced medially, lying inferior to the clavicle. - This is a much less common variant compared to general anterior dislocations. *Posterior* - **Posterior shoulder dislocations** are rare, accounting for only 2-4% of all shoulder dislocations. - They are typically associated with specific mechanisms like **seizures**, **electric shock**, or a fall on an adducted, internally rotated arm.

Q: Most commonly recommended cast position for proximal forearm fractures is ?

Supinated position. ***Supinated position*** - The **supinated position** is generally recommended for proximal forearm fractures because the **biceps brachii** and **supinator muscles**, which are often attached to the proximal fracture segment, cause **supination** when they contract. - Placing the forearm in supination **aligns the distal fracture fragment** with the proximal fragment, promoting better reduction and healing. *Pronated flexion* - **Pronation** would cause the distal fragment to rotate away from the proximal fragment, leading to **malunion** or nonunion. - While some fractures might benefit from a degree of flexion, **pronated flexion** specifically is not the primary position for proximal forearm alignment. *Neutral position* - A **neutral position** might not adequately account for the rotational forces exerted by the biceps and supinator on the proximal fragment, potentially leading to **rotational displacement**. - It does not offer the same alignment benefits as full supination for most proximal forearm fractures. *Position does not matter* - The **cast position is crucial** for forearm fractures, especially proximal ones, as the muscles attached to the forearm bones exert significant rotational forces. - An **incorrect cast position** can lead to rotational deformities, **malunion**, and functional impairment of the forearm.

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.

Q: Pilon fracture is

Distal tibia Intraarticular fracture. ***Distal tibia Intraarticular fracture*** - A **pilon fracture** specifically refers to an **intra-articular fracture of the distal tibia**, involving the weight-bearing surface of the **ankle joint**. - These fractures typically result from high-energy axial loading mechanisms, driving the talus into the plafond and causing extensive articular damage. *Bimalleolar fracture* - A **bimalleolar fracture** involves fractures of both the **medial malleolus** (distal tibia) and the **lateral malleolus** (distal fibula). - While it involves the ankle, it does not necessarily involve the **tibial plafond** articular surface in the same destructive manner as a pilon fracture. *Trimalleolar fracture* - A **trimalleolar fracture** includes fractures of the medial, lateral, and **posterior malleolus** (a portion of the distal tibia). - Like bimalleolar fractures, it primarily describes the involvement of the malleoli rather than the intra-articular surface load-bearing portion of the distal tibia. *Proximal tibia fracture* - This term refers to a fracture occurring in the **upper part of the tibia**, near the knee joint. - It does not involve the **distal end of the tibia** or the ankle joint, which is characteristic of a pilon fracture.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a complication of elbow dislocation?

Radial nerve injury. ***Radial nerve injury*** - The **radial nerve** is rarely injured in an elbow dislocation due to its anatomical course, which is less exposed to the shearing forces involved in this type of injury. - While other nerves like the ulnar and median nerves are more susceptible, significant stretching or compression of the radial nerve is **uncommon** in typical elbow dislocations. *Vascular injury* - The **brachial artery** runs in close proximity to the elbow joint and can be torn or compressed during a dislocation, leading to **ischemia** if not promptly recognized and treated. - This complication can result in **Volkmann's ischemic contracture** if perfusion is not restored. *Median nerve injury* - The **median nerve** passes anterior to the elbow joint and is vulnerable to injury from stretching or direct compression during dislocation. - Injury can manifest as **sensory deficits** in the distribution of the median nerve and **weakness** of forearm pronation and thumb flexion/opposition. *Myositis ossificans* - This is a common chronic complication of elbow dislocations, particularly in cases of **delayed reduction** or aggressive physical therapy. - It involves the **abnormal ossification** of soft tissues around the joint, commonly in the brachialis muscle, leading to **pain and restricted range of motion**.

Q: What is a late complication of elbow dislocation?

Myositis ossificans. **Myositis ossificans** - **Myositis ossificans** is the abnormal formation of **heterotopic bone** within muscle or other soft tissues, often developing weeks to months after joint trauma such as an elbow dislocation. - It typically presents as a painful, firm mass with restricted joint movement, especially **flexion** and **extension** at the elbow. *Median nerve injury* - **Median nerve injury** can occur at the time of the initial elbow dislocation (an **acute complication**), but it is not typically considered a late complication that develops over weeks or months. - Symptoms include numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, as well as weakness in **thumb opposition** and **flexion** of the index finger. *Brachial artery injury* - **Brachial artery injury** is an **acute complication** of severe elbow dislocation, leading to compromise of distal blood flow. - Signs include absence of pulses, pallor, paresthesia, and pain in the forearm and hand, requiring immediate surgical intervention. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **myositis ossificans** is a well-recognized late complication of elbow dislocation.

Question 1

Most common nerve injured in fracture of medial epicondyle of humerus is:

Accepted Answer

Ulnar nerve

Answer

Radial nerve

Answer

Median nerve

Answer

Musculocutaneous nerve

Question 2

What is the characteristic feature of Barton's fracture?

Accepted Answer

Intra-articular fracture of the distal end radius with carpal bone subluxation and joint involvement

Answer

Extra-articular fracture of the distal end radius

Answer

Intra-articular fracture of the distal end radius without carpal bone subluxation

Answer

Intra-articular fracture of the distal end radius with carpal bone subluxation

Question 3

What is the most common type of shoulder dislocation?

Accepted Answer

Answer

Subcoracoid

Answer

Subclavicular

Answer

Posterior

Question 4

Most commonly recommended cast position for proximal forearm fractures is ?

Accepted Answer

Supinated position

Answer

Pronated flexion

Answer

Neutral position

Answer

Position does not matter

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Type A

Answer

Type B

Answer

Type C

Answer

Type D

Question 6

What is the Essex-Lopresti lesion in the upper limb?

Accepted Answer

Comminuted radial head fracture with interosseous membrane disruption and DRUJ instability

Answer

Isolated radial head fracture without soft tissue involvement

Answer

Radial shaft

Answer

Radial shaft and radio-ulnar joint fracture

Question 7

Pilon fracture is

Accepted Answer

Distal tibia Intraarticular fracture

Answer

Bimalleolar fracture

Answer

Trimalleolar fracture

Answer

Proximal tibia fracture

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a complication of elbow dislocation?

Accepted Answer

Radial nerve injury

Answer

Vascular injury

Answer

Median nerve injury

Answer

Myositis ossificans

Question 9

Which of the following statements is true regarding the proximal fragment in a supratrochanteric fracture?

Accepted Answer

The proximal fragment exhibits flexion, abduction, and external rotation.

Answer

The proximal fragment is flexed.

Answer

The proximal fragment is abducted.

Answer

The proximal fragment is externally rotated.

Question 10

What is a late complication of elbow dislocation?

Accepted Answer

Myositis ossificans

Answer

Median nerve injury

Answer

Brachial artery injury

Answer

None of the options

Trauma — MCQs

Trauma — MCQs

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