Fractures: tardy ulnar nerve palsy: 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: tardy ulnar nerve palsy

Sample item

A man develops numbness of the ring and little fingers with weak grip 20 years after a childhood elbow fracture with an increased carrying angle. What was the likely original injury?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lateral condyle fracture of the humerus with nonunion

Nonunion of a lateral condyle fracture causes cubitus valgus. The ulnar nerve is slowly stretched behind the medial epicondyle, causing tardy ulnar nerve palsy years later. Treatment is nerve transposition and correction of the deformity.

Option by option

  • A. Radial neck fracture

    Radial neck fractures lead to loss of rotation rather than ulnar palsy.

  • B. Medial epicondyle avulsion

    Medial epicondyle avulsion does not typically produce valgus deformity.

  • C. Lateral condyle fracture of the humerus with nonunion (correct)

    Correct. Lateral condyle nonunion leads to cubitus valgus and tardy ulnar palsy.

  • D. Olecranon fracture

    Olecranon fractures cause extension weakness, not valgus.

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, Lateral condyle fracture of the humerus with nonunion. Nonunion of a lateral condyle fracture causes cubitus valgus.

Why is "Radial neck fracture" not the answer?

Radial neck fractures lead to loss of rotation rather than ulnar palsy.

Why is "Medial epicondyle avulsion" not the answer?

Medial epicondyle avulsion does not typically produce valgus deformity.

Why is "Olecranon fracture" not the answer?

Olecranon fractures cause extension weakness, not valgus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: tardy ulnar nerve palsy in Orthopaedics. The ulnar nerve is slowly stretched behind the medial epicondyle, causing tardy ulnar nerve palsy years later. Treatment is nerve transposition and correction of the deformity.

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: tardy ulnar nerve palsy?

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.