Fracture complications: late tendon rupture after distal radius 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 · Fracture complications: late tendon rupture after distal radius fracture

Sample item

Three weeks after a minimally displaced Colles fracture treated in a cast, a patient cannot extend the thumb interphalangeal joint. Which tendon has ruptured?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Extensor pollicis longus

Extensor pollicis longus rupture can follow a distal radius fracture, often weeks later, because its blood supply is compromised as it turns around Lister tubercle. It is repaired with an extensor indicis proprius transfer.

Option by option

  • A. Extensor carpi radialis longus

    ECRL rupture affects wrist extension, not thumb IP extension.

  • B. Abductor pollicis longus

    APL rupture would impair abduction, not IP extension.

  • C. Flexor pollicis longus

    FPL rupture would cause loss of thumb IP flexion.

  • D. Extensor pollicis longus (correct)

    Correct. EPL rupture is a classic delayed complication of Colles fracture.

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, Extensor pollicis longus. Extensor pollicis longus rupture can follow a distal radius fracture, often weeks later, because its blood supply is compromised as it turns around Lister tubercle.

Why is "Extensor carpi radialis longus" not the answer?

ECRL rupture affects wrist extension, not thumb IP extension.

Why is "Abductor pollicis longus" not the answer?

APL rupture would impair abduction, not IP extension.

Why is "Flexor pollicis longus" not the answer?

FPL rupture would cause loss of thumb IP flexion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fracture complications: late tendon rupture after distal radius fracture in Orthopaedics. It is repaired with an extensor indicis proprius transfer.

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 Fracture complications: late tendon rupture after distal radius 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.