Bone infection: Cierny-Mader classification: 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 · Bone infection: Cierny-Mader classification

Sample item

In the Cierny-Mader anatomic classification of adult osteomyelitis, what characterises type IV disease?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Diffuse, through-and-through involvement with instability

The Cierny-Mader system has four anatomic types: medullary (I), superficial (II), localised (III) and diffuse (IV). Type IV disease is diffuse, with instability before or after debridement, and needs stabilisation as well as extensive debridement. A physiological host grade of A, B or C is added.

Option by option

  • A. Localised, stable cortical sequestrum

    Localised stable disease is type III.

  • B. Medullary disease only

    Medullary disease alone is type I.

  • C. Superficial involvement of the cortex only

    Superficial cortical disease is type II.

  • D. Diffuse, through-and-through involvement with instability (correct)

    Correct. Type IV is diffuse and unstable.

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, Diffuse, through-and-through involvement with instability. The Cierny-Mader system has four anatomic types: medullary (I), superficial (II), localised (III) and diffuse (IV).

Why is "Localised, stable cortical sequestrum" not the answer?

Localised stable disease is type III.

Why is "Medullary disease only" not the answer?

Medullary disease alone is type I.

Why is "Superficial involvement of the cortex only" not the answer?

Superficial cortical disease is type II.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone infection: Cierny-Mader classification in Orthopaedics. Type IV disease is diffuse, with instability before or after debridement, and needs stabilisation as well as extensive debridement. A physiological host grade of A, B or C is added.

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 Bone infection: Cierny-Mader classification?

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.