Paediatric: Beighton score: 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 · Paediatric: Beighton score

Sample item

A teenager with recurrent joint sprains is assessed for generalised joint hypermobility. Which manoeuvre forms part of the Beighton score?

AStraight leg raise to 30 degreesBPassive hip abduction to 90 degreesCGrip strength measured with a dynamometerDPassive apposition of the thumb to the forearm

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Passive apposition of the thumb to the forearm

The Beighton score awards a point for each of nine tests: passive thumb apposition to the forearm and passive little finger dorsiflexion beyond 90 degrees on each side, elbow and knee hyperextension beyond 10 degrees on each side, and palms flat on the floor with knees straight. A higher score indicates greater laxity, as in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Option by option

A. Straight leg raise to 30 degrees
Straight leg raise is a test of sciatic tension and is not scored.
B. Passive hip abduction to 90 degrees
Hip abduction is not part of the Beighton score.
C. Grip strength measured with a dynamometer
Grip strength is not measured by the score.
D. Passive apposition of the thumb to the forearm (correct)
Correct. Thumb apposition to the forearm is part of the score.

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.

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Passive apposition of the thumb to the forearm. The Beighton score awards a point for each of nine tests: passive thumb apposition to the forearm and passive little finger dorsiflexion beyond 90 degrees on each side, elbow and knee hyperextension beyond 10 degrees on each side, and palms flat on the floor with knees straight.

Why is "Straight leg raise to 30 degrees" not the answer?

Straight leg raise is a test of sciatic tension and is not scored.

Why is "Passive hip abduction to 90 degrees" not the answer?

Hip abduction is not part of the Beighton score.

Why is "Grip strength measured with a dynamometer" not the answer?

Grip strength is not measured by the score.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric: Beighton score in Orthopaedics. A higher score indicates greater laxity, as in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

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 Paediatric: Beighton score?

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.