Fractures and dislocations: Ely test: 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 · Fractures and dislocations: Ely test

Sample item

A patient lies prone and the examiner passively flexes the knee. The hip on that side lifts off the couch into flexion. Which tight structure does this test reveal?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Rectus femoris

In the Ely test, passive knee flexion in the prone patient stretches the rectus femoris, which crosses the hip and the knee. A tight muscle pulls the hip into flexion, so the buttock rises. It is used in cerebral palsy and in evaluating anterior thigh and hip tightness.

Option by option

  • A. Iliopsoas

    Iliopsoas tightness is tested with the Thomas test.

  • B. Hamstrings

    Hamstring tightness is tested by straight leg raising or the popliteal angle.

  • C. Rectus femoris (correct)

    Correct. Rectus femoris crosses both joints, so knee flexion tilts the pelvis and lifts the hip.

  • D. Iliotibial band

    Iliotibial band tightness is tested by the Ober 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.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Rectus femoris. In the Ely test, passive knee flexion in the prone patient stretches the rectus femoris, which crosses the hip and the knee.

Why is "Iliopsoas" not the answer?

Iliopsoas tightness is tested with the Thomas test.

Why is "Hamstrings" not the answer?

Hamstring tightness is tested by straight leg raising or the popliteal angle.

Why is "Iliotibial band" not the answer?

Iliotibial band tightness is tested by the Ober test.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: Ely test in Orthopaedics. A tight muscle pulls the hip into flexion, so the buttock rises. It is used in cerebral palsy and in evaluating anterior thigh and hip tightness.

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 Fractures and dislocations: Ely test?

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.