Pediatric orthopaedics: SCFE: 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 · Pediatric orthopaedics: SCFE

Sample item

An obese adolescent has hip pain referred to the knee and an externally rotated leg. Which condition must be excluded urgently?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

SCFE is displacement through the proximal femoral growth plate and can present with vague hip, thigh, or knee pain. It requires urgent non-weight-bearing orthopedic assessment to prevent further slip and avascular necrosis.

Option by option

  • A. Perthes disease

    Perthes disease typically affects younger children.

  • B. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (correct)

    Correct. Age, body habitus, referred pain, and external rotation are classic clues.

  • C. Developmental dysplasia of the hip

    DDH is usually detected in infancy.

  • D. Transient synovitis only

    Transient synovitis is a diagnosis of exclusion and should not delay exclusion of SCFE.

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, Slipped capital femoral epiphysis. SCFE is displacement through the proximal femoral growth plate and can present with vague hip, thigh, or knee pain.

Why is "Perthes disease" not the answer?

Perthes disease typically affects younger children.

Why is "Developmental dysplasia of the hip" not the answer?

DDH is usually detected in infancy.

Why is "Transient synovitis only" not the answer?

Transient synovitis is a diagnosis of exclusion and should not delay exclusion of SCFE.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pediatric orthopaedics: SCFE in Orthopaedics. It requires urgent non-weight-bearing orthopedic assessment to prevent further slip and avascular necrosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Pediatric orthopaedics: SCFE?

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.