Trauma and burns: burn scar contracture: practice question

A General Surgery 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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General Surgery · Trauma and burns: burn scar contracture

Sample item

A child has a tight linear scar band after an axillary burn that limits shoulder abduction. Which plastic technique lengthens the contracted band?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Z-plasty

Z-plasty transposes triangular flaps to lengthen a linear scar contracture along its axis and redirect it. Direct closure under tension would recontract.

Option by option

  • A. Direct excision and closure under tension

    Closure under tension recreates the contracture.

  • B. Observation only

    Observation allows permanent limitation of movement.

  • C. Z-plasty (correct)

    Correct. Z-plasty lengthens a linear contracture band.

  • D. Split-thickness graft over the intact band

    A graft is placed on a raw area and does not lengthen an intact band.

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 General Surgery questions

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is C, Z-plasty. Z-plasty transposes triangular flaps to lengthen a linear scar contracture along its axis and redirect it.

Why is "Direct excision and closure under tension" not the answer?

Closure under tension recreates the contracture.

Why is "Observation only" not the answer?

Observation allows permanent limitation of movement.

Why is "Split-thickness graft over the intact band" not the answer?

A graft is placed on a raw area and does not lengthen an intact band.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Trauma and burns: burn scar contracture in General Surgery. Direct closure under tension would recontract.

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 Trauma and burns: burn scar contracture?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery 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.