Wrist trauma: scaphoid fracture: 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 · Wrist trauma: scaphoid fracture

Sample item

A patient has anatomical snuffbox tenderness after a fall, but initial wrist radiographs are normal. What is the correct management principle?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Immobilize and arrange follow-up imaging if suspicion persists

Scaphoid fractures may be occult on initial radiographs. Immobilization and repeat radiography or advanced imaging are appropriate because missed fractures risk nonunion and avascular necrosis.

Option by option

  • A. Inject the radiocarpal joint with steroid

    Steroid injection is not treatment for suspected acute fracture.

  • B. Encourage unrestricted heavy lifting

    Heavy loading can displace an occult injury.

  • C. Exclude fracture immediately

    Normal initial radiographs do not reliably exclude scaphoid fracture.

  • D. Immobilize and arrange follow-up imaging if suspicion persists (correct)

    Correct. Persistent clinical suspicion warrants protection despite normal early films.

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, Immobilize and arrange follow-up imaging if suspicion persists. Scaphoid fractures may be occult on initial radiographs.

Why is "Inject the radiocarpal joint with steroid" not the answer?

Steroid injection is not treatment for suspected acute fracture.

Why is "Encourage unrestricted heavy lifting" not the answer?

Heavy loading can displace an occult injury.

Why is "Exclude fracture immediately" not the answer?

Normal initial radiographs do not reliably exclude scaphoid fracture.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Wrist trauma: scaphoid fracture in Orthopaedics. Immobilization and repeat radiography or advanced imaging are appropriate because missed fractures risk nonunion and avascular necrosis.

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 Wrist trauma: scaphoid fracture?

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.