Genetic bone disorders: Fassier-Duval rod: 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 · Genetic bone disorders: Fassier-Duval rod

Sample item

A 4-year-old with osteogenesis imperfecta type III has recurrent femoral fractures and progressive bowing despite bisphosphonate therapy. Which surgical approach is commonly used?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Intramedullary telescoping rods (Fassier-Duval) with multiple osteotomies

In severe osteogenesis imperfecta, intramedullary telescoping rods such as the Fassier-Duval rod are used with osteotomies to realign bowed long bones and prevent fractures. The rod lengthens as the child grows, reducing the need for repeated revision. Bisphosphonates are used alongside to increase bone density.

Option by option

  • A. Plate fixation with a long lateral plate

    Plates cause stress risers in fragile bone and do not grow with the child.

  • B. No surgery since bones will heal on their own

    Fractures alone may heal, but bowing and recurrent fractures need correction.

  • C. Intramedullary telescoping rods (Fassier-Duval) with multiple osteotomies (correct)

    Correct. Telescoping intramedullary rods realign and protect the bone as the child grows.

  • D. External fixator for 3 months only

    A short course of external fixation does not provide lasting protection.

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, Intramedullary telescoping rods (Fassier-Duval) with multiple osteotomies. In severe osteogenesis imperfecta, intramedullary telescoping rods such as the Fassier-Duval rod are used with osteotomies to realign bowed long bones and prevent fractures.

Why is "Plate fixation with a long lateral plate" not the answer?

Plates cause stress risers in fragile bone and do not grow with the child.

Why is "No surgery since bones will heal on their own" not the answer?

Fractures alone may heal, but bowing and recurrent fractures need correction.

Why is "External fixator for 3 months only" not the answer?

A short course of external fixation does not provide lasting protection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Genetic bone disorders: Fassier-Duval rod in Orthopaedics. The rod lengthens as the child grows, reducing the need for repeated revision. Bisphosphonates are used alongside to increase bone density.

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 Genetic bone disorders: Fassier-Duval rod?

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.