Joints: rheumatoid hand deformities: 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 · Joints: rheumatoid hand deformities

Sample item

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has hyperextension at the PIP joint with flexion at the DIP joint. What is the deformity?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Swan-neck deformity

Swan-neck deformity is PIP hyperextension and DIP flexion, and boutonniere deformity is PIP flexion with DIP hyperextension from central slip disruption. Ulnar deviation at the MCP joints and Z-thumb are other classic rheumatoid hand deformities.

Option by option

  • A. Boutonniere deformity

    Boutonniere is the opposite, PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension.

  • B. Swan-neck deformity (correct)

    Correct. PIP hyperextension with DIP flexion is a swan neck.

  • C. Z-thumb only

    Z-thumb is MCP flexion with IP hyperextension of the thumb.

  • D. Mallet finger

    Mallet finger has a flexed DIP only.

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, Swan-neck deformity. Swan-neck deformity is PIP hyperextension and DIP flexion, and boutonniere deformity is PIP flexion with DIP hyperextension from central slip disruption.

Why is "Boutonniere deformity" not the answer?

Boutonniere is the opposite, PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension.

Why is "Z-thumb only" not the answer?

Z-thumb is MCP flexion with IP hyperextension of the thumb.

Why is "Mallet finger" not the answer?

Mallet finger has a flexed DIP only.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Joints: rheumatoid hand deformities in Orthopaedics. Ulnar deviation at the MCP joints and Z-thumb are other classic rheumatoid hand deformities.

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 Joints: rheumatoid hand deformities?

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.