Fractures and dislocations: CT after hip dislocation reduction: 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: CT after hip dislocation reduction

Sample item

A young man's posterior hip dislocation is reduced under sedation. The post-reduction radiograph looks concentric. What is the next step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. CT scan of the hip to look for loose fragments and acetabular fractures

After reduction of a traumatic hip dislocation, plain films can miss small intra-articular fragments, femoral head fractures and posterior wall fractures. CT is used to identify these, and a joint that is not concentric or contains fragments needs surgery.

Option by option

  • A. CT scan of the hip to look for loose fragments and acetabular fractures (correct)

    Correct. CT reveals fragments and fractures that plain films miss and that affect the joint's stability.

  • B. Discharge on full weight bearing

    Full loading with an unrecognised fragment risks cartilage damage and early arthritis.

  • C. Bed rest with no imaging for 6 weeks

    Delaying imaging can miss a problem needing prompt surgery.

  • D. Immediate total hip replacement

    Replacement is not appropriate for a young patient with a reducible dislocation.

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 A, CT scan of the hip to look for loose fragments and acetabular fractures. After reduction of a traumatic hip dislocation, plain films can miss small intra-articular fragments, femoral head fractures and posterior wall fractures.

Why is "Discharge on full weight bearing" not the answer?

Full loading with an unrecognised fragment risks cartilage damage and early arthritis.

Why is "Bed rest with no imaging for 6 weeks" not the answer?

Delaying imaging can miss a problem needing prompt surgery.

Why is "Immediate total hip replacement" not the answer?

Replacement is not appropriate for a young patient with a reducible dislocation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: CT after hip dislocation reduction in Orthopaedics. CT is used to identify these, and a joint that is not concentric or contains fragments needs surgery.

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: CT after hip dislocation reduction?

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.