Acetabular fractures: posterior wall: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Acetabular fractures: posterior wall

Sample item

In Letournel's classification, which elementary acetabular fracture pattern is commonest, and which nerve is most at risk with it?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Posterior wall; sciatic nerve

The posterior wall fracture is the most common acetabular pattern and typically accompanies a posterior hip dislocation, such as in a dashboard injury. The sciatic nerve lies directly behind the joint and may be stretched or compressed. Stability and congruity of the joint decide whether surgery is needed.

Option by option

  • A. Posterior wall; sciatic nerve (correct)

    Correct. Posterior wall fractures are common and put the sciatic nerve at risk.

  • B. Anterior column; femoral nerve

    Anterior column fractures are less common and not the commonest pattern.

  • C. Anterior wall; superior gluteal nerve

    Anterior wall fractures are uncommon, and the superior gluteal nerve is not the principal nerve at risk.

  • D. Transverse; obturator nerve

    Transverse fractures are not the most frequent elementary pattern.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Posterior wall; sciatic nerve. The posterior wall fracture is the most common acetabular pattern and typically accompanies a posterior hip dislocation, such as in a dashboard injury.

Why is "Anterior column; femoral nerve" not the answer?

Anterior column fractures are less common and not the commonest pattern.

Why is "Anterior wall; superior gluteal nerve" not the answer?

Anterior wall fractures are uncommon, and the superior gluteal nerve is not the principal nerve at risk.

Why is "Transverse; obturator nerve" not the answer?

Transverse fractures are not the most frequent elementary pattern.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Acetabular fractures: posterior wall in Orthopaedics. The sciatic nerve lies directly behind the joint and may be stretched or compressed. Stability and congruity of the joint decide whether surgery is needed.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Acetabular fractures: posterior wall?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.