Fractures: supracondylar femur 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: supracondylar femur fracture

Sample item

In a displaced supracondylar fracture of the femur, which structure is at risk because of the pull of gastrocnemius on the distal fragment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Popliteal artery

Gastrocnemius originates from the femoral condyles and tilts the distal fragment into extension and posteriorly. The sharp proximal fragment can then compress or tear the popliteal artery lying directly behind the femur.

Option by option

  • A. Common peroneal nerve at the fibular head

    The common peroneal nerve is injured in fibular neck fractures.

  • B. Femoral nerve

    The femoral nerve lies in the anterior thigh.

  • C. Popliteal artery (correct)

    Correct. The posteriorly tilted distal fragment endangers the popliteal artery.

  • D. Great saphenous vein

    The saphenous vein is superficial and not at particular risk.

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 C, Popliteal artery. Gastrocnemius originates from the femoral condyles and tilts the distal fragment into extension and posteriorly.

Why is "Common peroneal nerve at the fibular head" not the answer?

The common peroneal nerve is injured in fibular neck fractures.

Why is "Femoral nerve" not the answer?

The femoral nerve lies in the anterior thigh.

Why is "Great saphenous vein" not the answer?

The saphenous vein is superficial and not at particular risk.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: supracondylar femur fracture in Orthopaedics. The sharp proximal fragment can then compress or tear the popliteal artery lying directly behind the femur.

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: supracondylar femur 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.