Fractures: intertrochanteric fracture fixation: 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: intertrochanteric fracture fixation

Sample item

An elderly woman has a stable two-part intertrochanteric fracture. Which implant is the standard fixation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Dynamic hip screw with a side plate

Intertrochanteric fractures are extracapsular and the head blood supply is preserved, so fixation rather than replacement is appropriate. A dynamic hip screw allows controlled sliding and compression in stable patterns, while cephalomedullary nails suit unstable and reverse oblique types.

Option by option

  • A. Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty

    Hemiarthroplasty is for displaced intracapsular neck fractures in the elderly.

  • B. Dynamic hip screw with a side plate (correct)

    Correct. A dynamic hip screw is standard for stable intertrochanteric fractures.

  • C. Total hip replacement

    Total hip replacement is not needed for an extracapsular fracture.

  • D. Cannulated cancellous screws

    Cannulated screws are used for undisplaced femoral neck fractures.

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 B, Dynamic hip screw with a side plate. Intertrochanteric fractures are extracapsular and the head blood supply is preserved, so fixation rather than replacement is appropriate.

Why is "Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty" not the answer?

Hemiarthroplasty is for displaced intracapsular neck fractures in the elderly.

Why is "Total hip replacement" not the answer?

Total hip replacement is not needed for an extracapsular fracture.

Why is "Cannulated cancellous screws" not the answer?

Cannulated screws are used for undisplaced femoral neck fractures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: intertrochanteric fracture fixation in Orthopaedics. A dynamic hip screw allows controlled sliding and compression in stable patterns, while cephalomedullary nails suit unstable and reverse oblique types.

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: intertrochanteric fracture fixation?

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.