Fractures and dislocations: simple elbow dislocation rehabilitation: 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: simple elbow dislocation rehabilitation

Sample item

A 25-year-old has a simple posterior elbow dislocation without fracture. The joint is reduced and stable through the range of movement. Which approach reduces long-term loss of function?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Short period of splinting followed by early active movement

The elbow is prone to stiffness, and prolonged immobilisation causes loss of extension. Once the joint is stable after reduction, a brief period of splinting for comfort is followed by early active motion. Forceful passive stretching risks heterotopic bone.

Option by option

  • A. Plaster immobilisation for 8 weeks

    Prolonged plaster leads to a stiff elbow with a fixed flexion deformity.

  • B. Forceful passive stretching from day 1

    Passive forceful manipulation can cause myositis ossificans and increase stiffness.

  • C. Open reduction with ligament fixation as routine

    Surgery is reserved for unstable or complex injuries.

  • D. Short period of splinting followed by early active movement (correct)

    Correct. Early active movement after brief splinting protects the range of motion.

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 D, Short period of splinting followed by early active movement. The elbow is prone to stiffness, and prolonged immobilisation causes loss of extension.

Why is "Plaster immobilisation for 8 weeks" not the answer?

Prolonged plaster leads to a stiff elbow with a fixed flexion deformity.

Why is "Forceful passive stretching from day 1" not the answer?

Passive forceful manipulation can cause myositis ossificans and increase stiffness.

Why is "Open reduction with ligament fixation as routine" not the answer?

Surgery is reserved for unstable or complex injuries.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: simple elbow dislocation rehabilitation in Orthopaedics. Once the joint is stable after reduction, a brief period of splinting for comfort is followed by early active motion. Forceful passive stretching risks heterotopic bone.

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: simple elbow dislocation rehabilitation?

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.