Spine: Boston brace: 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 · Spine: Boston brace

Sample item

A 12-year-old Risser 1 girl has a 30 degree adolescent idiopathic thoracolumbar curve with the apex at T10. Which brace is appropriate?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Low-profile thoracolumbosacral orthosis such as the Boston brace

The Boston brace is an underarm thoracolumbosacral orthosis that is used for curves with the apex at or below T7. Higher apex curves may need a Milwaukee-type brace with a neck extension. Bracing aims to prevent progression and is not expected to correct a curve.

Option by option

  • A. Milwaukee brace with a neck ring only

    A neck-ring brace is reserved for high thoracic apex curves.

  • B. Low-profile thoracolumbosacral orthosis such as the Boston brace (correct)

    Correct. A low-profile TLSO suits an apex below T7.

  • C. Cervical collar

    A cervical collar does not control a thoracolumbar curve.

  • D. Halo-pelvic traction

    Halo-pelvic traction is used preoperatively in severe rigid curves.

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 B, Low-profile thoracolumbosacral orthosis such as the Boston brace. The Boston brace is an underarm thoracolumbosacral orthosis that is used for curves with the apex at or below T7.

Why is "Milwaukee brace with a neck ring only" not the answer?

A neck-ring brace is reserved for high thoracic apex curves.

Why is "Cervical collar" not the answer?

A cervical collar does not control a thoracolumbar curve.

Why is "Halo-pelvic traction" not the answer?

Halo-pelvic traction is used preoperatively in severe rigid curves.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine: Boston brace in Orthopaedics. Higher apex curves may need a Milwaukee-type brace with a neck extension. Bracing aims to prevent progression and is not expected to correct a curve.

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 Spine: Boston brace?

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.