Fractures and dislocations: pelvis and hip: 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 and dislocations: pelvis and hip

Sample item

After a dashboard injury, a man's leg is flexed, adducted and internally rotated, with foot drop and numbness over the sole and dorsum. What is the next step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Urgent closed reduction under anaesthesia, then CT

This is a posterior hip dislocation with sciatic nerve injury, usually the common peroneal division. Reduce urgently, ideally within 6 hours, to limit nerve damage and avascular necrosis, then image for fractures and fragments.

Option by option

  • A. Urgent closed reduction under anaesthesia, then CT (correct)

    Correct. Prompt closed reduction is the priority in posterior dislocation with nerve palsy.

  • B. Skin traction and review after 48 hours

    Skin traction does not reduce the dislocation and delays treatment.

  • C. Observe the foot drop for three months before reduction

    Delaying reduction increases the risk of necrosis and permanent nerve injury.

  • D. Total hip replacement

    Arthroplasty is not the first treatment of a traumatic dislocation in a native hip.

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 A, Urgent closed reduction under anaesthesia, then CT. This is a posterior hip dislocation with sciatic nerve injury, usually the common peroneal division.

Why is "Skin traction and review after 48 hours" not the answer?

Skin traction does not reduce the dislocation and delays treatment.

Why is "Observe the foot drop for three months before reduction" not the answer?

Delaying reduction increases the risk of necrosis and permanent nerve injury.

Why is "Total hip replacement" not the answer?

Arthroplasty is not the first treatment of a traumatic dislocation in a native hip.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: pelvis and hip in Orthopaedics. Reduce urgently, ideally within 6 hours, to limit nerve damage and avascular necrosis, then image for fractures and fragments.

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 and dislocations: pelvis and hip?

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.