Fractures: imaging after a calcaneal fracture on plain films: 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 · Fractures: imaging after a calcaneal fracture on plain films

Sample item

After a fall from a height, plain films of the heel show a fracture with a reduced Bohler angle that is suspected to be intra-articular. Which investigation best defines the fracture for surgical planning?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. CT scan of the calcaneus

Intra-articular calcaneal fractures involve the posterior subtalar facet, and CT with coronal and axial cuts shows the fragments, the facet displacement and the sustentaculum. This guides whether and how to fix it. Ultrasound and bone scan do not give the required anatomical detail.

Option by option

  • A. Isotope bone scan

    A bone scan is sensitive but nonspecific and gives no anatomical detail.

  • B. Repeat plain films in two weeks

    Delay does not provide the information needed for planning.

  • C. Ultrasound of the heel

    Ultrasound does not show the bony anatomy needed for planning.

  • D. CT scan of the calcaneus (correct)

    Correct. CT shows the articular surface and fragment pattern.

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 D, CT scan of the calcaneus. Intra-articular calcaneal fractures involve the posterior subtalar facet, and CT with coronal and axial cuts shows the fragments, the facet displacement and the sustentaculum.

Why is "Isotope bone scan" not the answer?

A bone scan is sensitive but nonspecific and gives no anatomical detail.

Why is "Repeat plain films in two weeks" not the answer?

Delay does not provide the information needed for planning.

Why is "Ultrasound of the heel" not the answer?

Ultrasound does not show the bony anatomy needed for planning.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: imaging after a calcaneal fracture on plain films in Orthopaedics. This guides whether and how to fix it. Ultrasound and bone scan do not give the required anatomical detail.

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 Fractures: imaging after a calcaneal fracture on plain films?

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.