Joint infection: Kocher criteria: 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 · Joint infection: Kocher criteria

Sample item

A child with a painful hip is assessed for septic arthritis. Which is one of the Kocher criteria?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Inability to bear weight

The four Kocher predictors are non-weight bearing, ESR over 40 mm/h, WBC over 12,000 and fever above 38.5 degrees C. The probability of septic arthritis rises with each criterion present, and an urgent aspiration is needed with higher scores.

Option by option

  • A. Hip abduction contracture

    Abduction contracture is not a Kocher criterion.

  • B. Positive Trendelenburg sign

    Trendelenburg sign is not used.

  • C. Elevated serum calcium

    Serum calcium is not used.

  • D. Inability to bear weight (correct)

    Correct. Non-weight bearing is one of the four criteria.

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, Inability to bear weight. The four Kocher predictors are non-weight bearing, ESR over 40 mm/h, WBC over 12,000 and fever above 38.

Why is "Hip abduction contracture" not the answer?

Abduction contracture is not a Kocher criterion.

Why is "Positive Trendelenburg sign" not the answer?

Trendelenburg sign is not used.

Why is "Elevated serum calcium" not the answer?

Serum calcium is not used.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Joint infection: Kocher criteria in Orthopaedics. 5 degrees C. The probability of septic arthritis rises with each criterion present, and an urgent aspiration is needed with higher scores.

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 Joint infection: Kocher criteria?

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.