Fractures: blood supply of the femoral head: 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: blood supply of the femoral head

Sample item

A displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture in a young adult threatens the femoral head mainly by damaging which vessels?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Retinacular branches of the medial circumflex femoral artery

The femoral head is supplied chiefly by retinacular vessels from the medial circumflex femoral artery running along the neck beneath the synovium. Displaced intracapsular fractures tear these vessels, and the high rate of avascular necrosis is why urgent reduction and fixation is advised in the young.

Option by option

  • A. Superior gluteal artery

    The superior gluteal artery supplies the gluteal muscles.

  • B. Nutrient artery of the femoral shaft

    The nutrient artery supplies the shaft and not the head.

  • C. Artery of the ligamentum teres

    The ligamentum teres artery supplies only a small foveal area in adults.

  • D. Retinacular branches of the medial circumflex femoral artery (correct)

    Correct. Retinacular vessels from the medial circumflex artery are disrupted.

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, Retinacular branches of the medial circumflex femoral artery. The femoral head is supplied chiefly by retinacular vessels from the medial circumflex femoral artery running along the neck beneath the synovium.

Why is "Superior gluteal artery" not the answer?

The superior gluteal artery supplies the gluteal muscles.

Why is "Nutrient artery of the femoral shaft" not the answer?

The nutrient artery supplies the shaft and not the head.

Why is "Artery of the ligamentum teres" not the answer?

The ligamentum teres artery supplies only a small foveal area in adults.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: blood supply of the femoral head in Orthopaedics. Displaced intracapsular fractures tear these vessels, and the high rate of avascular necrosis is why urgent reduction and fixation is advised in the young.

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: blood supply of the femoral head?

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.