Upper limb fractures: 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 · Upper limb fractures

Sample item

Which complication is characteristic of a fracture through the waist of the scaphoid?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Avascular necrosis of the proximal pole

The scaphoid is supplied retrogradely, with vessels entering distally, so waist and proximal pole fractures risk avascular necrosis and non-union. Snuffbox tenderness is the clue and early radiographs may look normal.

Option by option

  • A. Cubitus varus

    Cubitus varus is a malunion of the distal humerus.

  • B. Volkmann's ischaemic contracture

    Volkmann's contracture follows forearm compartment ischaemia, as in supracondylar fractures.

  • C. Avascular necrosis of the proximal pole (correct)

    Correct.

  • D. Median nerve palsy at the elbow

    Median nerve palsy is not typical here.

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 C, Avascular necrosis of the proximal pole. The scaphoid is supplied retrogradely, with vessels entering distally, so waist and proximal pole fractures risk avascular necrosis and non-union.

Why is "Cubitus varus" not the answer?

Cubitus varus is a malunion of the distal humerus.

Why is "Volkmann's ischaemic contracture" not the answer?

Volkmann's contracture follows forearm compartment ischaemia, as in supracondylar fractures.

Why is "Median nerve palsy at the elbow" not the answer?

Median nerve palsy is not typical here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Upper limb fractures in Orthopaedics. Snuffbox tenderness is the clue and early radiographs may look normal.

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 Upper limb fractures?

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.