Traction: Dunlop traction: 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.

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Orthopaedics · Traction: Dunlop traction

Sample item

A 6-year-old has a markedly displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus with swelling too severe for immediate manipulation. Which form of traction is classically used?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Dunlop skin traction with the arm abducted and the elbow flexed

Dunlop traction is skin traction applied to the forearm with the arm abducted and the elbow flexed over the child. It holds a supracondylar fracture while swelling settles before reduction. The other methods are used for lower limb fractures.

Option by option

  • A. Hamilton Russell traction

    Hamilton Russell traction is a skin traction for lower limb fractures.

  • B. Thomas splint with skeletal pin traction

    A Thomas splint is used for femoral shaft fractures.

  • C. Gallows (Bryant) traction

    Gallows traction is used for femoral shaft fractures in young infants.

  • D. Dunlop skin traction with the arm abducted and the elbow flexed (correct)

    Correct. Dunlop traction is the traditional traction for supracondylar humerus fractures.

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.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Dunlop skin traction with the arm abducted and the elbow flexed. Dunlop traction is skin traction applied to the forearm with the arm abducted and the elbow flexed over the child.

Why is "Hamilton Russell traction" not the answer?

Hamilton Russell traction is a skin traction for lower limb fractures.

Why is "Thomas splint with skeletal pin traction" not the answer?

A Thomas splint is used for femoral shaft fractures.

Why is "Gallows (Bryant) traction" not the answer?

Gallows traction is used for femoral shaft fractures in young infants.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Traction: Dunlop traction in Orthopaedics. It holds a supracondylar fracture while swelling settles before reduction. The other methods are used for lower limb fractures.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Traction: Dunlop traction?

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.