Fractures in children: 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 in children

Sample item

A child with a displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus develops a painful, pale forearm with pain on passive finger extension. If untreated, which complication follows?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Volkmann's ischaemic contracture

Forearm compartment ischaemia from brachial artery injury or swelling causes muscle death and fibrosis, with flexion contracture of the wrist and fingers. Pain on passive extension is the earliest, most reliable sign and calls for urgent decompression.

Option by option

  • A. Myositis ossificans

    Myositis ossificans is calcification in muscle after injury.

  • B. Volkmann's ischaemic contracture (correct)

    Correct.

  • C. Cubitus valgus

    Cubitus valgus follows lateral condyle fractures.

  • D. Avascular necrosis of the capitellum

    AVN of the capitellum is rare.

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, Volkmann's ischaemic contracture. Forearm compartment ischaemia from brachial artery injury or swelling causes muscle death and fibrosis, with flexion contracture of the wrist and fingers.

Why is "Myositis ossificans" not the answer?

Myositis ossificans is calcification in muscle after injury.

Why is "Cubitus valgus" not the answer?

Cubitus valgus follows lateral condyle fractures.

Why is "Avascular necrosis of the capitellum" not the answer?

AVN of the capitellum is rare.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures in children in Orthopaedics. Pain on passive extension is the earliest, most reliable sign and calls for urgent decompression.

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 Fractures in children?

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.