Fractures and dislocations: anterior hip dislocation: 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: anterior hip dislocation

Sample item

A man in a road accident has his hip dislocated so that the leg is held extended, abducted and externally rotated, with a prominent mass in the groin. Which structure is most at risk in this injury?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Femoral vessels

In an anterior hip dislocation the femoral head lies in front of the joint, near the femoral artery, vein and nerve in the femoral triangle. Vascular compromise of the limb must be checked. A sciatic nerve injury is the characteristic complication of the posterior type.

Option by option

  • A. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

    The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is a purely sensory nerve, and is not the principal concern.

  • B. Sciatic nerve

    The sciatic nerve is most at risk in a posterior dislocation, where the head lies behind the joint.

  • C. Femoral vessels (correct)

    Correct. The head sits against the femoral neurovascular bundle in this dislocation.

  • D. Superior gluteal nerve

    The superior gluteal nerve is not related to the dislocated head in this position.

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, Femoral vessels. In an anterior hip dislocation the femoral head lies in front of the joint, near the femoral artery, vein and nerve in the femoral triangle.

Why is "Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve" not the answer?

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is a purely sensory nerve, and is not the principal concern.

Why is "Sciatic nerve" not the answer?

The sciatic nerve is most at risk in a posterior dislocation, where the head lies behind the joint.

Why is "Superior gluteal nerve" not the answer?

The superior gluteal nerve is not related to the dislocated head in this position.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: anterior hip dislocation in Orthopaedics. Vascular compromise of the limb must be checked. A sciatic nerve injury is the characteristic complication of the posterior type.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: anterior hip dislocation?

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.