Paediatric: fibular hemimelia: 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: fibular hemimelia

Sample item

A newborn has a short leg, an absent fibula, a valgus ankle with a ball-and-socket configuration and absent lateral rays of the foot. Which associated finding is most commonly present, and why does it matter?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Cruciate ligament deficiency with limb length discrepancy

Fibular hemimelia is the commonest long bone deficiency, with a short tibia, valgus ankle, foot deformities and often absent cruciate ligaments, so the knee may be unstable. The limb length discrepancy increases with growth. Management is Syme amputation or lengthening and reconstruction depending on severity.

Option by option

  • A. Hypertrophy of the contralateral limb only

    A hypertrophic contralateral limb is not the usual pattern.

  • B. Isolated syndactyly of the hand

    Hand syndactyly is not a typical feature of fibular hemimelia.

  • C. Cruciate ligament deficiency with limb length discrepancy (correct)

    Correct. Cruciate deficiency and growing limb length discrepancy are typical.

  • D. Absent patella with nail dysplasia

    Absent patella with nail dysplasia describes nail-patella syndrome.

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 C, Cruciate ligament deficiency with limb length discrepancy. Fibular hemimelia is the commonest long bone deficiency, with a short tibia, valgus ankle, foot deformities and often absent cruciate ligaments, so the knee may be unstable.

Why is "Hypertrophy of the contralateral limb only" not the answer?

A hypertrophic contralateral limb is not the usual pattern.

Why is "Isolated syndactyly of the hand" not the answer?

Hand syndactyly is not a typical feature of fibular hemimelia.

Why is "Absent patella with nail dysplasia" not the answer?

Absent patella with nail dysplasia describes nail-patella syndrome.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric: fibular hemimelia in Orthopaedics. The limb length discrepancy increases with growth. Management is Syme amputation or lengthening and reconstruction depending on severity.

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 Paediatric: fibular hemimelia?

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.