Foot and ankle: ankle 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 · Foot and ankle: ankle fracture

Sample item

According to the Ottawa ankle rules, which finding supports ankle radiography after an ankle injury?

ABone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of either malleolusBMild bruising aloneCAbility to walk four steps without painDPain only after one week

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Bone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of either malleolus

The Ottawa ankle rules identify patients more likely to have clinically important fracture. Malleolar tenderness or inability to bear weight both immediately and in the emergency department are key criteria.

Option by option

A. Bone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of either malleolus (correct)
Correct. Posterior malleolar tenderness is a radiography criterion.
B. Mild bruising alone
Bruising alone does not meet the rule.
C. Ability to walk four steps without pain
Ability to walk four steps reduces the likelihood when no bony tenderness is present.
D. Pain only after one week
Timing alone is not a criterion.

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.

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Bone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of either malleolus. The Ottawa ankle rules identify patients more likely to have clinically important fracture.

Why is "Mild bruising alone" not the answer?

Bruising alone does not meet the rule.

Why is "Ability to walk four steps without pain" not the answer?

Ability to walk four steps reduces the likelihood when no bony tenderness is present.

Why is "Pain only after one week" not the answer?

Timing alone is not a criterion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Foot and ankle: ankle fracture in Orthopaedics. Malleolar tenderness or inability to bear weight both immediately and in the emergency department are key criteria.

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 Foot and ankle: ankle 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.