Paediatric: toddler's 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.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Paediatric: toddler's fracture

Sample item

A 2-year-old suddenly refuses to bear weight after a minor twist. Radiographs show a spiral undisplaced fracture of the distal tibia. What is this fracture called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Toddler's fracture

Toddler's fracture is a subtle, undisplaced spiral tibial fracture in a child aged 9 months to 3 years after a minor twisting fall. It is treated with a cast for 3 to 4 weeks, and the film may be normal at first.

Option by option

  • A. Pilon fracture

    A pilon fracture is a comminuted distal tibial articular fracture.

  • B. Jones fracture

    A Jones fracture is at the proximal fifth metatarsal.

  • C. Chance fracture

    A Chance fracture is a flexion-distraction injury of the spine.

  • D. Toddler's fracture (correct)

    Correct. A spiral tibial fracture in a toddler is the toddler's fracture.

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.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Toddler's fracture. Toddler's fracture is a subtle, undisplaced spiral tibial fracture in a child aged 9 months to 3 years after a minor twisting fall.

Why is "Pilon fracture" not the answer?

A pilon fracture is a comminuted distal tibial articular fracture.

Why is "Jones fracture" not the answer?

A Jones fracture is at the proximal fifth metatarsal.

Why is "Chance fracture" not the answer?

A Chance fracture is a flexion-distraction injury of the spine.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric: toddler's fracture in Orthopaedics. It is treated with a cast for 3 to 4 weeks, and the film may be normal at first.

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 Paediatric: toddler's 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.