Fractures: calcaneal 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: calcaneal fracture

Sample item

A man falls from a ladder and lands on his heels. He has heel pain and swelling, and the Bohler angle on a lateral radiograph is reduced. Which associated injury must be excluded?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Lumbar or thoracolumbar spine compression fracture

Calcaneal fractures follow axial loading from a fall from height, and a normal Bohler angle is about 20 to 40 degrees. The same force can be transmitted along the axial skeleton, so the spine must be examined, and bilateral calcaneal fractures are common.

Option by option

  • A. Cervical spine dislocation only

    The cervical spine is not the usual associated site in a heel landing.

  • B. Radial head fracture

    A radial head fracture is not typical.

  • C. Clavicle fracture

    A clavicle fracture is not related to this mechanism.

  • D. Lumbar or thoracolumbar spine compression fracture (correct)

    Correct. Axial loading often fractures the lumbar or thoracolumbar vertebrae too.

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, Lumbar or thoracolumbar spine compression fracture. Calcaneal fractures follow axial loading from a fall from height, and a normal Bohler angle is about 20 to 40 degrees.

Why is "Cervical spine dislocation only" not the answer?

The cervical spine is not the usual associated site in a heel landing.

Why is "Radial head fracture" not the answer?

A radial head fracture is not typical.

Why is "Clavicle fracture" not the answer?

A clavicle fracture is not related to this mechanism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: calcaneal fracture in Orthopaedics. The same force can be transmitted along the axial skeleton, so the spine must be examined, and bilateral calcaneal fractures are common.

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: calcaneal 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.