Fractures and dislocations: skin traction contraindication: 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: skin traction contraindication

Sample item

Skin traction is applied to the leg of a patient before surgery for a femoral fracture. In which condition is skin traction contraindicated?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Abrasions or an infected skin over the limb

Skin traction relies on adhesive strapping or foam bandages that grip the skin, so it should not be used when the skin is damaged, abraded, infected or fragile, or with severe peripheral vascular disease. In those cases skeletal traction is used instead.

Option by option

  • A. Pain control before surgery

    Traction relieves muscle spasm and pain, so pain is an indication and not a contraindication.

  • B. A closed femoral shaft fracture

    A closed femoral fracture is a standard indication for temporary traction.

  • C. A fracture in a child needing temporary pull

    Children are often managed with skin traction for a short period.

  • D. Abrasions or an infected skin over the limb (correct)

    Correct. Skin that is broken or infected cannot take adhesive traction safely.

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, Abrasions or an infected skin over the limb. Skin traction relies on adhesive strapping or foam bandages that grip the skin, so it should not be used when the skin is damaged, abraded, infected or fragile, or with severe peripheral vascular disease.

Why is "Pain control before surgery" not the answer?

Traction relieves muscle spasm and pain, so pain is an indication and not a contraindication.

Why is "A closed femoral shaft fracture" not the answer?

A closed femoral fracture is a standard indication for temporary traction.

Why is "A fracture in a child needing temporary pull" not the answer?

Children are often managed with skin traction for a short period.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: skin traction contraindication in Orthopaedics. In those cases skeletal traction is used instead.

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: skin traction contraindication?

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.