Dislocations: scapholunate dissociation: 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 · Dislocations: scapholunate dissociation

Sample item

A wrist radiograph after a fall shows a widened gap of more than 3 mm between the scaphoid and lunate. What is this sign called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Terry Thomas sign

The Terry Thomas sign is widening of the scapholunate interval on the PA view and indicates scapholunate ligament rupture. Untreated, it leads to scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC wrist).

Option by option

  • A. Spilled teacup sign

    Spilled teacup is the lateral view sign of lunate dislocation.

  • B. Fat pad sign

    The fat pad sign shows elbow joint effusion.

  • C. Gilula arc

    Gilula arcs are smooth carpal lines that are disrupted in dislocations, but they are not a gap sign.

  • D. Terry Thomas sign (correct)

    Correct. A widened scapholunate gap is the Terry Thomas sign.

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, Terry Thomas sign. The Terry Thomas sign is widening of the scapholunate interval on the PA view and indicates scapholunate ligament rupture.

Why is "Spilled teacup sign" not the answer?

Spilled teacup is the lateral view sign of lunate dislocation.

Why is "Fat pad sign" not the answer?

The fat pad sign shows elbow joint effusion.

Why is "Gilula arc" not the answer?

Gilula arcs are smooth carpal lines that are disrupted in dislocations, but they are not a gap sign.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dislocations: scapholunate dissociation in Orthopaedics. Untreated, it leads to scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC wrist).

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 Dislocations: scapholunate dissociation?

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.