Fractures: talar neck 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: talar neck fracture

Sample item

A talar neck fracture is followed by avascular necrosis of the body. Which radiographic sign at 6 to 8 weeks suggests the talus remains vascularised?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hawkins sign, subchondral lucency of the talar dome

Hawkins sign is subchondral lucency in the talar dome on an AP mortise view 6 to 8 weeks after injury. It results from disuse osteopenia in a vascularised bone, so it indicates a good prognosis. Absence of the sign suggests avascular necrosis.

Option by option

  • A. Hawkins sign, subchondral lucency of the talar dome (correct)

    Correct. Subchondral lucency indicates a living talar body.

  • B. Fragmentation of the talar body

    Fragmentation indicates collapse and necrosis.

  • C. Sclerosis of the talar dome

    Sclerosis suggests avascular necrosis.

  • D. Widening of the ankle mortise

    Mortise widening indicates syndesmosis injury.

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 A, Hawkins sign, subchondral lucency of the talar dome. Hawkins sign is subchondral lucency in the talar dome on an AP mortise view 6 to 8 weeks after injury.

Why is "Fragmentation of the talar body" not the answer?

Fragmentation indicates collapse and necrosis.

Why is "Sclerosis of the talar dome" not the answer?

Sclerosis suggests avascular necrosis.

Why is "Widening of the ankle mortise" not the answer?

Mortise widening indicates syndesmosis injury.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: talar neck fracture in Orthopaedics. It results from disuse osteopenia in a vascularised bone, so it indicates a good prognosis. Absence of the sign suggests avascular necrosis.

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 Fractures: talar neck 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.