Dislocations: acromioclavicular joint injury: 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: acromioclavicular joint injury

Sample item

In the Rockwood classification of acromioclavicular joint injuries, which feature defines type III?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Disruption of both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments with the clavicle displaced upward

Type III is complete disruption of the AC and coracoclavicular ligaments with superior displacement of the clavicle relative to the acromion, 25 to 100 percent increase in the coracoclavicular distance. Types IV, V and VI involve posterior, gross superior and inferior displacement.

Option by option

  • A. Sprain of the AC ligament only

    AC ligament sprain alone is type I.

  • B. Posterior displacement of the clavicle into the trapezius

    Posterior displacement of the clavicle is type IV.

  • C. Clavicle displaced under the coracoid

    Subcoracoid clavicle displacement is type VI.

  • D. Disruption of both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments with the clavicle displaced upward (correct)

    Correct. Both ligament complexes are torn in type III.

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, Disruption of both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments with the clavicle displaced upward. Type III is complete disruption of the AC and coracoclavicular ligaments with superior displacement of the clavicle relative to the acromion, 25 to 100 percent increase in the coracoclavicular distance.

Why is "Sprain of the AC ligament only" not the answer?

AC ligament sprain alone is type I.

Why is "Posterior displacement of the clavicle into the trapezius" not the answer?

Posterior displacement of the clavicle is type IV.

Why is "Clavicle displaced under the coracoid" not the answer?

Subcoracoid clavicle displacement is type VI.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dislocations: acromioclavicular joint injury in Orthopaedics. Types IV, V and VI involve posterior, gross superior and inferior displacement.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: acromioclavicular joint injury?

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.