Paediatric orthopaedics: Madelung deformity: 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.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Paediatric orthopaedics: Madelung deformity

Sample item

A 12-year-old girl has a prominent dorsal ulnar head, a bayonet-like deviation of the wrist and limited wrist extension. Radiographs show a premature closure of the volar-ulnar part of the distal radial physis. What is this deformity called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Madelung deformity

Madelung deformity results from a growth disturbance of the volar and ulnar distal radial physis, causing a radial inclination with volar tilt and a prominent ulnar head. It is often a feature of Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis due to SHOX gene mutation. Surgery is considered for pain and deformity.

Option by option

  • A. Madelung deformity (correct)

    Correct. Volar ulnar physeal arrest with a prominent ulnar head is Madelung deformity.

  • B. Colles deformity

    Colles deformity results from a distal radius fracture, which is not described here.

  • C. Cubitus varus

    Cubitus varus is a gunstock deformity of the elbow.

  • D. Sprengel deformity

    Sprengel deformity is a congenital elevation of the scapula.

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.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Madelung deformity. Madelung deformity results from a growth disturbance of the volar and ulnar distal radial physis, causing a radial inclination with volar tilt and a prominent ulnar head.

Why is "Colles deformity" not the answer?

Colles deformity results from a distal radius fracture, which is not described here.

Why is "Cubitus varus" not the answer?

Cubitus varus is a gunstock deformity of the elbow.

Why is "Sprengel deformity" not the answer?

Sprengel deformity is a congenital elevation of the scapula.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric orthopaedics: Madelung deformity in Orthopaedics. It is often a feature of Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis due to SHOX gene mutation. Surgery is considered for pain and deformity.

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 orthopaedics: Madelung deformity?

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.