Fractures: Bennett fracture: 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: Bennett fracture

Sample item

Which muscle pulls the shaft of the first metacarpal proximally and displaces the fragments in a Bennett fracture?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Abductor pollicis longus

Bennett fracture is an intra-articular fracture-dislocation of the base of the first metacarpal. A small volar-ulnar fragment stays in place with the anterior oblique ligament, while abductor pollicis longus pulls the shaft proximally and radially.

Option by option

  • A. Adductor pollicis

    Adductor pollicis contributes to the adduction deformity but not the proximal pull.

  • B. Flexor pollicis longus

    Flexor pollicis longus is not the main deforming force.

  • C. Opponens pollicis

    Opponens pollicis inserts along the metacarpal shaft but is not the main deforming muscle.

  • D. Abductor pollicis longus (correct)

    Correct. Abductor pollicis longus displaces the metacarpal shaft proximally.

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.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Abductor pollicis longus. Bennett fracture is an intra-articular fracture-dislocation of the base of the first metacarpal.

Why is "Adductor pollicis" not the answer?

Adductor pollicis contributes to the adduction deformity but not the proximal pull.

Why is "Flexor pollicis longus" not the answer?

Flexor pollicis longus is not the main deforming force.

Why is "Opponens pollicis" not the answer?

Opponens pollicis inserts along the metacarpal shaft but is not the main deforming muscle.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: Bennett fracture in Orthopaedics. A small volar-ulnar fragment stays in place with the anterior oblique ligament, while abductor pollicis longus pulls the shaft proximally and radially.

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: Bennett fracture?

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.