Shoulder trauma: anterior dislocation: 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 · Shoulder trauma: anterior dislocation

Sample item

After a fall onto an outstretched arm, a patient has a squared-off shoulder contour and holds the arm slightly abducted and externally rotated. What is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Anterior shoulder dislocation

Anterior shoulder dislocation is the commonest direction of glenohumeral dislocation and often follows abduction and external rotation. Neurovascular status, particularly axillary nerve function, must be documented.

Option by option

  • A. Clavicle fracture

    Clavicle fracture produces focal clavicular deformity rather than a squared shoulder.

  • B. Anterior shoulder dislocation (correct)

    Correct. The posture and contour are typical of anterior dislocation.

  • C. Rotator cuff tendinopathy

    Tendinopathy causes pain without acute joint deformity.

  • D. Posterior shoulder dislocation

    Posterior dislocation commonly follows seizure or electric shock and is held internally rotated.

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, Anterior shoulder dislocation. Anterior shoulder dislocation is the commonest direction of glenohumeral dislocation and often follows abduction and external rotation.

Why is "Clavicle fracture" not the answer?

Clavicle fracture produces focal clavicular deformity rather than a squared shoulder.

Why is "Rotator cuff tendinopathy" not the answer?

Tendinopathy causes pain without acute joint deformity.

Why is "Posterior shoulder dislocation" not the answer?

Posterior dislocation commonly follows seizure or electric shock and is held internally rotated.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Shoulder trauma: anterior dislocation in Orthopaedics. Neurovascular status, particularly axillary nerve function, must be documented.

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 Shoulder trauma: anterior dislocation?

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.