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 with groin pain. Which injury is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Fracture neck of femur

A fracture of the proximal femur commonly presents after a low-energy fall with groin pain, inability to bear weight, and a shortened externally rotated limb. Prompt analgesia and surgical assessment are needed.

Option by option

  • A. Patellar dislocation

    Patellar dislocation causes anterior knee deformity.

  • B. Posterior hip dislocation

    Posterior dislocation usually holds the leg flexed, adducted, and internally rotated.

  • C. Fracture neck of femur (correct)

    Correct. This is the classic clinical position of a hip fracture.

  • D. Tibial plateau fracture

    Tibial plateau fracture primarily causes knee pain and swelling.

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 C, Fracture neck of femur. A fracture of the proximal femur commonly presents after a low-energy fall with groin pain, inability to bear weight, and a shortened externally rotated limb.

Why is "Patellar dislocation" not the answer?

Patellar dislocation causes anterior knee deformity.

Why is "Posterior hip dislocation" not the answer?

Posterior dislocation usually holds the leg flexed, adducted, and internally rotated.

Why is "Tibial plateau fracture" not the answer?

Tibial plateau fracture primarily causes knee pain and swelling.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hip fractures in Orthopaedics. Prompt analgesia and surgical assessment are needed.

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.