Hip fractures: 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 · Hip fractures

Sample item

An older adult falls and has a shortened, externally rotated leg. Which diagnosis is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Fracture of the proximal femur

A painful shortened externally rotated leg after a fall is a classic presentation of a proximal femoral fracture in an older adult.

Option by option

  • A. Anterior cruciate ligament tear

    ACL tears usually present with knee instability.

  • B. Scaphoid fracture

    Scaphoid fractures involve the wrist after a fall.

  • C. Cervical radiculopathy

    Radiculopathy does not cause this traumatic limb posture.

  • D. Fracture of the proximal femur (correct)

    Correct: this posture strongly suggests hip fracture.

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.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Fracture of the proximal femur. A painful shortened externally rotated leg after a fall is a classic presentation of a proximal femoral fracture in an older adult.

Why is "Anterior cruciate ligament tear" not the answer?

ACL tears usually present with knee instability.

Why is "Scaphoid fracture" not the answer?

Scaphoid fractures involve the wrist after a fall.

Why is "Cervical radiculopathy" not the answer?

Radiculopathy does not cause this traumatic limb posture.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hip fractures in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: this posture strongly suggests hip fracture.

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 Hip fractures?

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.