Wrist: triangular fibrocartilage complex injury: 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 · Wrist: triangular fibrocartilage complex injury

Sample item

A gymnast has ulnar-sided wrist pain with a painful click on rotation after a fall on the pronated hand. Plain films are normal. Which structure is most likely injured?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. The triangular fibrocartilage complex

The triangular fibrocartilage complex stabilises the distal radioulnar joint and cushions the ulnar carpus, so tears cause ulnar-sided pain and clicking on rotation and loading. Plain films are usually normal, and MRI or arthroscopy confirms the diagnosis. Radial-sided pain suggests scaphoid or de Quervain disease.

Option by option

  • A. The first extensor compartment tendons

    First compartment tendinopathy produces radial styloid pain.

  • B. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (correct)

    Correct. Ulnar-sided pain and clicking indicate a triangular fibrocartilage tear.

  • C. The flexor carpi radialis tendon

    The flexor carpi radialis lies on the volar radial side.

  • D. The scaphoid

    Scaphoid injury produces radial-sided pain in the snuffbox.

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, The triangular fibrocartilage complex. The triangular fibrocartilage complex stabilises the distal radioulnar joint and cushions the ulnar carpus, so tears cause ulnar-sided pain and clicking on rotation and loading.

Why is "The first extensor compartment tendons" not the answer?

First compartment tendinopathy produces radial styloid pain.

Why is "The flexor carpi radialis tendon" not the answer?

The flexor carpi radialis lies on the volar radial side.

Why is "The scaphoid" not the answer?

Scaphoid injury produces radial-sided pain in the snuffbox.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Wrist: triangular fibrocartilage complex injury in Orthopaedics. Plain films are usually normal, and MRI or arthroscopy confirms the diagnosis. Radial-sided pain suggests scaphoid or de Quervain disease.

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 Wrist: triangular fibrocartilage complex injury?

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.