Techniques: position of arthrodesis: 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 · Techniques: position of arthrodesis

Sample item

When the knee is fused for a destroyed joint, which position is generally chosen for the arthrodesis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Slight flexion of about 0 to 10 degrees

A fused knee is placed near full extension with slight flexion and slight valgus so that gait is efficient and sitting is possible while the leg remains adequately long. Hyperextension is unstable and unsightly, and a flexed knee is functionally poor. The position of function is chosen for each joint.

Option by option

  • A. Flexion of 60 degrees

    Sixty degrees of flexion gives an unusable limb for walking.

  • B. Marked valgus of 20 degrees

    Marked valgus is not accepted.

  • C. Full hyperextension

    Hyperextension is not a functional position.

  • D. Slight flexion of about 0 to 10 degrees (correct)

    Correct. Near extension with slight flexion is the position of function for the knee.

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, Slight flexion of about 0 to 10 degrees. A fused knee is placed near full extension with slight flexion and slight valgus so that gait is efficient and sitting is possible while the leg remains adequately long.

Why is "Flexion of 60 degrees" not the answer?

Sixty degrees of flexion gives an unusable limb for walking.

Why is "Marked valgus of 20 degrees" not the answer?

Marked valgus is not accepted.

Why is "Full hyperextension" not the answer?

Hyperextension is not a functional position.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Techniques: position of arthrodesis in Orthopaedics. Hyperextension is unstable and unsightly, and a flexed knee is functionally poor. The position of function is chosen for each 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 Techniques: position of arthrodesis?

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.