Hand injuries: buddy strapping: 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 · Hand injuries: buddy strapping

Sample item

A carpenter has an undisplaced, stable, non-rotated fracture of the proximal phalanx of the ring finger. What is the simplest effective treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Buddy strapping to the adjacent finger with early motion

Stable undisplaced phalangeal fractures without rotational deformity are treated by strapping to a neighbouring finger, which acts as a splint and allows early movement to prevent stiffness. Rotation or displacement needs reduction and fixation. Long immobilisation causes stiffness.

Option by option

  • A. Open reduction and plating

    Open reduction is for unstable or malrotated fractures.

  • B. Long arm cast for six weeks

    A long arm cast immobilises needlessly and causes stiffness.

  • C. Amputation through the proximal interphalangeal joint

    Amputation has no role for a stable fracture.

  • D. Buddy strapping to the adjacent finger with early motion (correct)

    Correct. Buddy strapping gives protection with early motion.

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, Buddy strapping to the adjacent finger with early motion. Stable undisplaced phalangeal fractures without rotational deformity are treated by strapping to a neighbouring finger, which acts as a splint and allows early movement to prevent stiffness.

Why is "Open reduction and plating" not the answer?

Open reduction is for unstable or malrotated fractures.

Why is "Long arm cast for six weeks" not the answer?

A long arm cast immobilises needlessly and causes stiffness.

Why is "Amputation through the proximal interphalangeal joint" not the answer?

Amputation has no role for a stable fracture.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hand injuries: buddy strapping in Orthopaedics. Rotation or displacement needs reduction and fixation. Long immobilisation causes stiffness.

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 Hand injuries: buddy strapping?

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.