Paediatric orthopaedics: congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle: 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 · Paediatric orthopaedics: congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle

Sample item

A newborn has a painless firm lump over the mid-right clavicle noted at birth after an uncomplicated delivery. A radiograph shows rounded, sclerotic bone ends separated by a gap with no callus. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is a painless, mobile lump at the junction of the middle and outer thirds, most often on the right, with bone ends that do not form callus. It is treated surgically if symptomatic or for cosmesis. A birth fracture heals with callus within weeks.

Option by option

  • A. Obstetric clavicle fracture

    An obstetric fracture follows a difficult delivery and forms callus within one to two weeks.

  • B. Cleidocranial dysplasia

    Cleidocranial dysplasia is bilateral and has skull and dental findings.

  • C. Sprengel deformity

    Sprengel deformity is a high scapula, not a clavicular lump.

  • D. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle (correct)

    Correct. A painless lump without callus after an easy delivery points to a pseudarthrosis.

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, Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is a painless, mobile lump at the junction of the middle and outer thirds, most often on the right, with bone ends that do not form callus.

Why is "Obstetric clavicle fracture" not the answer?

An obstetric fracture follows a difficult delivery and forms callus within one to two weeks.

Why is "Cleidocranial dysplasia" not the answer?

Cleidocranial dysplasia is bilateral and has skull and dental findings.

Why is "Sprengel deformity" not the answer?

Sprengel deformity is a high scapula, not a clavicular lump.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric orthopaedics: congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle in Orthopaedics. It is treated surgically if symptomatic or for cosmesis. A birth fracture heals with callus within weeks.

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 Paediatric orthopaedics: congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle?

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.