Dislocations: Rockwood type IV: 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 · Dislocations: Rockwood type IV

Sample item

After a fall onto the point of the shoulder, a cyclist has a prominent distal clavicle. An axillary radiograph shows the clavicle displaced posteriorly into the trapezius. Which grade of acromioclavicular injury is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Rockwood type IV

Type IV injuries have posterior displacement of the clavicle through the trapezius, which is shown only on the axillary view. Type III has superior displacement without posterior displacement, and type V has extreme superior displacement. Type VI is the rare inferior displacement under the coracoid.

Option by option

  • A. Rockwood type III

    Type III shows superior displacement but not posterior displacement.

  • B. Rockwood type VI

    Type VI is inferior displacement beneath the coracoid or acromion.

  • C. Rockwood type IV (correct)

    Correct. Posterior displacement into the trapezius defines type IV.

  • D. Rockwood type II

    Type II has partial coracoclavicular ligament injury with mild widening.

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, Rockwood type IV. Type IV injuries have posterior displacement of the clavicle through the trapezius, which is shown only on the axillary view.

Why is "Rockwood type III" not the answer?

Type III shows superior displacement but not posterior displacement.

Why is "Rockwood type VI" not the answer?

Type VI is inferior displacement beneath the coracoid or acromion.

Why is "Rockwood type II" not the answer?

Type II has partial coracoclavicular ligament injury with mild widening.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dislocations: Rockwood type IV in Orthopaedics. Type III has superior displacement without posterior displacement, and type V has extreme superior displacement. Type VI is the rare inferior displacement under the coracoid.

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 Dislocations: Rockwood type IV?

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.