Hand disorders: 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 · Hand disorders

Sample item

A woman who is breastfeeding has pain at the radial side of her wrist. Her pain is reproduced when she makes a fist over her thumb and the wrist is deviated to the ulnar side. Which tendons are involved?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis involves the tendons of the first dorsal compartment (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis), and is common in new mothers lifting a baby. Finkelstein's test is positive, and treatment is a thumb spica splint, NSAIDs, a steroid injection and release if refractory.

Option by option

  • A. Flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum superficialis

    The flexor tendons are involved in trigger finger and carpal tunnel disease.

  • B. Extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis

    Extensor pollicis longus is in the third dorsal compartment and runs around Lister's tubercle.

  • C. Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis (correct)

    Correct. These tendons lie in the first dorsal compartment at the radial styloid.

  • D. Flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus

    Flexor carpi radialis tendinopathy gives pain on the volar radial aspect, not with Finkelstein's test.

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, Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. De Quervain's tenosynovitis involves the tendons of the first dorsal compartment (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis), and is common in new mothers lifting a baby.

Why is "Flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum superficialis" not the answer?

The flexor tendons are involved in trigger finger and carpal tunnel disease.

Why is "Extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis" not the answer?

Extensor pollicis longus is in the third dorsal compartment and runs around Lister's tubercle.

Why is "Flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus" not the answer?

Flexor carpi radialis tendinopathy gives pain on the volar radial aspect, not with Finkelstein's test.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hand disorders in Orthopaedics. Finkelstein's test is positive, and treatment is a thumb spica splint, NSAIDs, a steroid injection and release if refractory.

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 Hand disorders?

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.