Fractures: Galeazzi radiographic clues: 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: Galeazzi radiographic clues

Sample item

In a radial shaft fracture, which radiographic finding most strongly suggests an accompanying distal radioulnar joint injury?

ANormal alignment of the ulnar head on lateral viewBA fracture in the proximal third of the radiusCRadial shortening of more than 5 mm with a widened DRUJDAn isolated greenstick pattern

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Radial shortening of more than 5 mm with a widened DRUJ

Marked radial shortening, widening of the distal radioulnar joint on the posteroanterior view, dislocation of the ulnar head on the lateral view and a base-of-ulnar-styloid fracture all indicate DRUJ disruption. The typical fracture is in the junction of the middle and distal thirds. Recognising it changes the plan from fixing one bone to restoring the joint.

Option by option

A. Normal alignment of the ulnar head on lateral view
A normally aligned ulnar head argues against a DRUJ dislocation.
B. A fracture in the proximal third of the radius
A proximal fracture with radial head dislocation is the Monteggia pattern instead.
C. Radial shortening of more than 5 mm with a widened DRUJ (correct)
Correct. Radial shortening and DRUJ widening indicate joint disruption.
D. An isolated greenstick pattern
A simple greenstick fracture does not imply DRUJ disruption.

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.

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Radial shortening of more than 5 mm with a widened DRUJ. Marked radial shortening, widening of the distal radioulnar joint on the posteroanterior view, dislocation of the ulnar head on the lateral view and a base-of-ulnar-styloid fracture all indicate DRUJ disruption.

Why is "Normal alignment of the ulnar head on lateral view" not the answer?

A normally aligned ulnar head argues against a DRUJ dislocation.

Why is "A fracture in the proximal third of the radius" not the answer?

A proximal fracture with radial head dislocation is the Monteggia pattern instead.

Why is "An isolated greenstick pattern" not the answer?

A simple greenstick fracture does not imply DRUJ disruption.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: Galeazzi radiographic clues in Orthopaedics. The typical fracture is in the junction of the middle and distal thirds. Recognising it changes the plan from fixing one bone to restoring the joint.

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: Galeazzi radiographic clues?

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.