Trauma Practice Questions

Q: A 54-year-old male patient sustained a right upper limb injury in a road traffic accident and presented to the emergency room unable to move his right arm. Radiographic findings are shown. Which of the following nerves is most likely injured?

Axillary nerve. ***Axillary nerve*** - **Anterior shoulder dislocation** or **surgical neck of humerus fracture** commonly injures the axillary nerve due to its anatomical course around the surgical neck. - Injury results in **deltoid muscle paralysis** (inability to abduct arm) and **loss of sensation** over the lateral shoulder (regimental badge area). *Radial nerve* - Most commonly injured with **midshaft humerus fractures** due to its spiral course in the radial groove. - Causes **wrist drop** (inability to extend wrist) and **weakness of finger extension**, not complete arm immobility. *Ulnar nerve* - Typically injured with **medial epicondyle fractures** or **elbow trauma** affecting the cubital tunnel. - Results in **claw hand deformity** and **weakness of intrinsic hand muscles**, preserving shoulder and arm movement. *Median nerve* - Commonly injured in **supracondylar fractures** of the humerus or **carpal tunnel syndrome**. - Causes **ape thumb deformity** and **thenar muscle weakness**, but does not affect shoulder or arm movement.

Q: What is the commonest site for osteochondritis dissecans in the elbow?

Capitulum. **Explanation:** **Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)** of the elbow is an idiopathic condition characterized by focal subchondral bone necrosis and subsequent fragmentation of the overlying articular cartilage. **Why Capitulum is Correct:** The **capitulum** is the most common site for OCD in the elbow (specifically the anterolateral aspect). This is primarily due to its unique vascular anatomy—it is supplied by only one or two end-arteries that enter posteriorly, making it susceptible to ischemic necrosis. It is frequently seen in adolescent athletes (12–15 years), particularly "overhead throwers" (e.g., baseball pitchers) or gymnasts. The repetitive valgus stress causes compressive forces between the radial head and the capitulum, leading to microtrauma and focal ischemia. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Trochlea:** While OCD can occur here, it is extremely rare. The trochlea has a more robust blood supply compared to the capitulum. * **Radial Head:** The radial head is usually the site of secondary changes (like hypertrophy) or fractures (Mason classification) rather than primary OCD. * **Olecranon:** This site is more commonly associated with stress fractures or traction apophysitis (in the pediatric population) rather than OCD. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Panner’s Disease:** Often confused with OCD, this is osteochondrosis of the *entire* capitulum in younger children (5–10 years). It carries a better prognosis and usually heals with rest. * **Clinical Presentation:** Vague lateral elbow pain, clicking, or "locking" if a loose body is present. * **Radiology:** The "Fragment" or "Crater" sign on X-ray. MRI is the gold standard for assessing stability. * **Management:** Conservative (rest) if the fragment is stable; surgical (debridement/fixation) if unstable or loose bodies are present.

Q: High-stepping gait is characteristic of which condition?

Common peroneal nerve palsy. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: B. Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy** The **Common Peroneal Nerve (CPN)**, specifically its deep branch, innervates the muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg (Tibialis anterior, Extensor digitorum longus, and Extensor hallucis longus). These muscles are responsible for **dorsiflexion** of the foot and extension of the toes. In CPN palsy, the loss of dorsiflexion leads to **Foot Drop**. To prevent the toes from dragging on the ground during the swing phase of walking, the patient compensates by excessively flexing the hip and knee, lifting the foot high off the ground. This results in the characteristic **High-stepping gait**. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. CTEV:** Characterized by a "Cave" (Cavus, Adductus, Varus, Equinus) deformity. The gait is typically a "stumbling" gait or walking on the outer border of the foot, not high-stepping. * **C. Poliomyelitis:** While it can cause various paralytic deformities (including foot drop), it typically presents with a **Hand-knee gait** (due to quadriceps weakness) or a **Trendelenburg gait** (due to gluteal weakness). * **D. Cerebral Palsy:** Most commonly presents with a **Scissor gait** (due to adductor spasticity) or a **Crouch gait**. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common site of injury:** The CPN is the most frequently injured nerve in the lower limb because it winds superficially around the **neck of the fibula**. * **Sensory Loss:** Occurs over the lateral aspect of the leg and the dorsum of the foot (sparing the web space between the 1st and 2nd toes if only the superficial branch is involved). * **Trendelenburg Gait:** Seen in Superior Gluteal Nerve injury (weakness of Gluteus Medius/Minimus). * **Waddling Gait:** Seen in bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) or muscular dystrophy.

Q: For which of the following conditions is a TT splint NOT indicated?

Infective arthritis of the knee. **Explanation:** The **Thomas Splint (TT Splint)** is a traction splint primarily designed to provide immobilization and maintain longitudinal traction for injuries involving the femur and the knee joint. **Why Infective Arthritis is the Correct Answer:** In **Infective (Septic) Arthritis** of the knee, the primary goal of splintage is absolute rest and immobilization to prevent joint destruction, but **traction is not indicated**. Instead, these patients are typically managed with a **Bohler-Braun splint** or a simple posterior slab/plaster. A Thomas splint is cumbersome for the frequent clinical monitoring and joint aspirations required in septic cases. Furthermore, the pressure from the ring of the Thomas splint can cause discomfort and skin breakdown in patients who are already systemically ill. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Injuries around the knee joint & Knee dislocation:** The Thomas splint is excellent for stabilizing the knee joint, preventing further neurovascular damage, and maintaining alignment during transport or definitive healing. * **Fracture of the femur:** This is the **classic indication** for a Thomas splint. It provides the necessary traction to overcome the powerful pull of the thigh muscles, preventing shortening and reducing pain by stabilizing the fracture fragments. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Measurement:** The Thomas splint ring size is "1.5 inches (or 4 cm) more than the circumference of the thigh at the groin." The length is "6 inches (15 cm) beyond the heel." * **Modifications:** The **Keller-Blake splint** is a modification of the Thomas splint with a half-ring, making it easier to apply in emergencies. * **Fixed vs. Sliding Traction:** Thomas splint can be used for both fixed traction (tied to the end of the splint) and sliding traction (using weights and pulleys).

Q: Long compression is used for which fracture?

Calcaneum. **Explanation:** **Long Compression** (also known as the **Essex-Lopresti method**) is a specific technique used for the reduction and fixation of **Calcaneum fractures**, particularly those involving the joint surface (intra-articular). The calcaneum is composed primarily of cancellous bone with a thin cortical shell. When it fractures, it often undergoes significant compression and loss of height (measured by **Bohler’s angle**). The "Long Compression" technique involves using a heavy-duty pin (Schanz screw or Gissane spike) inserted through the posterior aspect of the tuberosity into the displaced fragment. This allows the surgeon to apply longitudinal traction and leverage to restore the height and alignment of the bone before securing it. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Talus:** Fractures of the talus (e.g., Aviator’s fracture) are typically treated with ORIF using lag screws to achieve interfragmentary compression, but the specific "Long Compression" maneuver is not a standard term for this bone. * **Fibula:** Most fibular fractures are treated with plate fixation (e.g., lateral malleolus) or are managed conservatively if they are non-weight-bearing. * **Femur:** Femoral fractures usually require intramedullary nailing or heavy plating. While compression is used in plating, the specific clinical term "Long Compression" is not associated with femoral trauma. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Bohler’s Angle:** Normal is 25°–40°. A decrease indicates a calcaneal burst fracture. * **Angle of Gissane:** Normal is 120°–145°. * **Mondor’s Sign:** Ecchymosis extending to the sole of the foot; pathognomonic for calcaneal fracture. * **Associated Injuries:** Always check the **Lumbar Spine (L1)** in calcaneal fractures (Don Juan Syndrome/Lover’s Fracture) due to axial loading.

Q: What is the most common fracture in the elderly?

Colles' fracture. **Explanation:** The most common fracture in the elderly population is **Colles' fracture** (distal radius fracture). This is primarily due to the high prevalence of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the mechanism of injury: a low-energy fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH). While hip fractures are associated with higher morbidity and mortality, epidemiological studies consistently show that distal radius fractures occur with the highest frequency in the geriatric age group. **Analysis of Options:** * **Colles' fracture (Correct):** Defined as a distal radius fracture within 2.5 cm of the wrist joint with dorsal displacement and angulation. It is often the first "sentinel" fracture that signals underlying osteoporosis in the elderly. * **Trochanteric/Intertrochanteric fracture (Incorrect):** These are very common hip fractures in the elderly, often occurring a decade later than Colles' fractures. While they carry a higher clinical significance due to surgical requirements, their absolute incidence is lower than distal radius fractures. * **Supracondylar fracture (Incorrect):** This is the most common fracture in **children** (typically aged 5–8 years) following a fall, but it is relatively rare in the elderly. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Colles' Deformity:** Classically described as a **"Dinner Fork Deformity."** * **Most common fracture in children:** Supracondylar fracture of the humerus. * **Most common site of osteoporosis-related fracture:** Vertebral body (often asymptomatic/compression fractures), followed by the distal radius and hip. * **Management:** Most Colles' fractures are managed via closed reduction and a Colles' cast (below-elbow cast in slight palmar flexion and ulnar deviation).

Q: Cubital tunnel syndrome involves which nerve?

Ulnar nerve. **Explanation:** **Cubital Tunnel Syndrome** is the second most common compression neuropathy of the upper limb (after Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). It occurs due to the compression or entrapment of the **Ulnar nerve** as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow. The tunnel is bordered medially by the medial epicondyle and laterally by the olecranon, with the roof formed by **Osborne’s ligament** (arcuate ligament). * **Why Ulnar Nerve is Correct:** The ulnar nerve is most vulnerable at the elbow because it lies superficially in the retrocondylar groove. Chronic pressure, repetitive flexion, or valgus deformity (Tardy Ulnar Palsy) leads to paresthesia in the small finger and the ulnar half of the ring finger, along with weakness of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Radial Nerve:** Compression typically occurs in the spiral groove (Saturday Night Palsy) or at the arcade of Frohse (Posterior Interosseous Nerve syndrome), leading to wrist drop or finger extension weakness. * **Median Nerve:** Most commonly compressed at the wrist (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) or between the two heads of the pronator teres (Pronator Syndrome). * **Axillary Nerve:** Usually injured during anterior shoulder dislocations or fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus, affecting the deltoid muscle. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Tardy Ulnar Palsy:** Delayed ulnar nerve palsy occurring years after a lateral condyle fracture of the humerus due to resultant **cubitus valgus** deformity. * **Froment’s Sign:** Positive in ulnar nerve palsy due to weakness of the Adductor Pollicis (compensated by Flexor Pollicis Longus). * **Wartenberg’s Sign:** Persistent abduction of the small finger due to weak palmar interossei.

Q: In a posteriorly dislocated elbow, which nerve is most commonly involved?

Ulnar nerve. **Explanation:** In a **posterior dislocation of the elbow** (the most common type), the radius and ulna are displaced posteriorly and often laterally relative to the distal humerus. The **ulnar nerve** is the most commonly injured nerve because of its vulnerable anatomical position in the fibro-osseous tunnel (cubital tunnel) behind the medial epicondyle. During posterior displacement, the nerve is subjected to significant traction or direct compression as the joint capsule and medial collateral ligaments are disrupted. **Analysis of Options:** * **Ulnar Nerve (Correct):** Its proximity to the medial joint complex makes it highly susceptible to traction injuries during the deformity. * **Median Nerve:** This is the second most commonly injured nerve. It is typically affected in **posterolateral** dislocations or when there is an associated "entrapment" within the joint or a concomitant brachial artery injury. * **Radial Nerve:** Injury is rare in simple elbow dislocations. It is more commonly associated with fractures of the humeral shaft (Holstein-Lewis fracture) or radial head. * **Musculocutaneous Nerve:** This nerve is well-protected by the overlying musculature and is rarely involved in elbow trauma. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Most common direction:** Posterolateral. * **Most common complication:** Stiffness (Loss of terminal extension). * **Terrible Triad of the Elbow:** Elbow dislocation + Coronoid fracture + Radial head fracture. * **Clinical Sign:** The "Three-point relationship" (between the olecranon and the two epicondyles) is lost in dislocation but maintained in supracondylar fractures of the humerus. * **Vascular Injury:** The **Brachial artery** is the most common vessel injured, especially in open dislocations or severe anterior displacement of the humerus.

Question 1

A 54-year-old male patient sustained a right upper limb injury in a road traffic accident and presented to the emergency room unable to move his right arm. Radiographic findings are shown. Which of the following nerves is most likely injured?

Accepted Answer

Axillary nerve

Answer

Radial nerve

Answer

Ulnar nerve

Answer

Median nerve

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a major criterion for Gurd?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytopenia

Answer

Subconjunctival petechiae

Answer

PaO2 <60mmHg

Answer

Pulmonary edema

Question 3

What is the commonest site for osteochondritis dissecans in the elbow?

Accepted Answer

Capitulum

Answer

Trochlea

Answer

Radial head

Answer

Olecranon

Question 4

High-stepping gait is characteristic of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Common peroneal nerve palsy

Answer

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV)

Answer

Poliomyelitis

Answer

Cerebral palsy

Question 5

For which of the following conditions is a TT splint NOT indicated?

Accepted Answer

Infective arthritis of the knee

Answer

Injuries around the knee joint

Answer

Knee dislocation

Answer

Fracture of the femur

Question 6

A person presents 3 days post Colles' fracture with inability to extend the thumb. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Rupture of extensor pollicis longus tendon

Answer

Volkmann's ischemic contracture

Answer

Radial nerve injury

Answer

Finger stiffness

Question 7

Long compression is used for which fracture?

Accepted Answer

Calcaneum

Answer

Talus

Answer

Fibula

Answer

Femur

Question 8

What is the most common fracture in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Colles' fracture

Answer

Trochanteric fracture

Answer

Intertrochanteric fracture

Answer

Supracondylar fracture

Question 9

Cubital tunnel syndrome involves which nerve?

Accepted Answer

Ulnar nerve

Answer

Radial nerve

Answer

Median nerve

Answer

Axillary nerve

Question 10

In a posteriorly dislocated elbow, which nerve is most commonly involved?

Accepted Answer

Ulnar nerve

Answer

Median nerve

Answer

Radial nerve

Answer

Musculocutaneous nerve

Trauma — MCQs

Trauma — MCQs

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