Pediatric Orthopaedics Practice Questions

Q: What is the most common sign appreciated in congenital dislocation of the hip in an older child?

Limited abduction of the lower limb. **Explanation:** In Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), clinical signs evolve as the child grows. In an **older child** (typically beyond 3–6 months), the hip becomes fixed in a dislocated position due to soft tissue contractures, particularly of the adductor muscles. **1. Why "Limited Abduction" is correct:** As the femoral head remains out of the acetabulum, the adductor muscles shorten and tighten. This leads to a mechanical restriction of hip movement. **Limited abduction** is the most sensitive and reliable clinical sign of DDH in the late stage. Other late features include limb shortening (Galeazzi sign), asymmetry of skin folds, and a Trendelenburg gait once the child starts walking. **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Barlow and Ortolani Tests (A & B):** These are "instability" tests used to detect a dislocatable or reducible hip in **neonates** (usually up to 2–3 months). In older children, the hip is no longer "clunking" in or out; it is fixed, making these tests negative. * **Painful range of motion (C):** Congenital dislocation is typically **painless** in childhood. Pain only develops much later in life due to secondary osteoarthritis. If an older child presents with a painful hip, diagnoses like Perthes disease or Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) are more likely. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Best Initial Screening:** Ortolani/Barlow (Neonates); Limited Abduction (Older infants). * **Galeazzi Sign:** Apparent shortening of the femur (knee height discrepancy) seen in unilateral DDH. * **Radiology:** In children <6 months, **Ultrasound (Graf classification)** is the investigation of choice because the femoral head is not yet ossified. After 6 months, X-rays are used (look for Shenton’s line break and increased Acetabular index).

Q: Which of the following movements is restricted in Perthes disease?

Abduction and internal rotation. ### Explanation **Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD)** is an idiopathic avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis, typically seen in boys aged 4–8 years. The restriction of specific movements is a hallmark clinical finding used to differentiate it from other hip pathologies. #### 1. Why Abduction and Internal Rotation are restricted: In Perthes disease, the femoral head undergoes necrosis, collapse, and subsequent flattening (**coxa plana**). This deformity leads to a loss of sphericity. * **Abduction** is restricted because the flattened, enlarged femoral head (coxa magna) impinges against the acetabular rim (lateral pillar). * **Internal Rotation** is restricted due to muscle spasms (primarily of the adductors and psoas) and the mechanical incongruity between the deformed femoral head and the acetabulum. This is often the earliest sign of the disease. #### 2. Analysis of Incorrect Options: * **A & C (Adduction):** Adduction is rarely restricted in hip joint pathologies; in fact, the hip often assumes an adducted and externally rotated position to accommodate the joint effusion and minimize intra-articular pressure. * **B (External Rotation):** In Perthes, external rotation is usually preserved or may even appear increased as a compensatory mechanism for the loss of internal rotation. #### 3. Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG: * **Classic Presentation:** A painless (or mildly painful) limp in a young boy. * **Gage’s Sign:** A V-shaped lucency on the lateral side of the epiphysis (a "Head at Risk" sign). * **Catterall Classification:** Based on the extent of head involvement (Groups I-IV). * **Herring Classification:** Based on the integrity of the **Lateral Pillar** (most prognostic). * **Management Principle:** The goal is **"Containment"**—keeping the femoral head within the acetabulum (using braces or osteotomy) so it molds into a spherical shape during the revascularization phase.

Q: Which of the following sites is least commonly involved in arthrogryposis?

Trunk. **Explanation:** **Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC)** is a clinical syndrome characterized by non-progressive, multiple joint contractures present at birth. The underlying pathophysiology involves **fetal akinesia** (decreased fetal movement), which leads to the replacement of muscle tissue with fibrous and fatty tissue. **Why Trunk is the Correct Answer:** AMC primarily affects the **appendicular skeleton** (limbs) rather than the axial skeleton. The contractures are typically symmetrical and involve the distal joints more severely than the proximal ones. The **trunk (spine)** is the **least commonly involved** site; while scoliosis can occur in about 20-30% of cases as the child grows, it is not a primary feature of the classic "amyoplasia" type of arthrogryposis, unlike the limb joints which are involved in almost 100% of cases. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Knee:** Very commonly involved, often presenting as fixed extension contractures or occasionally flexion contractures with pterygium (skin webbing). * **Hip:** Frequently affected, often presenting with dislocations or fixed flexion/abduction/external rotation deformities. * **Elbow:** A hallmark site, typically presenting with fixed extension deformities (the "waiter's tip" position when combined with wrist flexion). **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Classic Presentation:** "Wooden doll" appearance with featureless, tubular limbs, absent skin creases, and rigid joints. * **Most Common Type:** **Amyoplasia** (sporadic occurrence). * **Typical Limb Position:** Shoulders adducted/internally rotated, elbows extended, wrists flexed (volar/ulnar deviation), and **Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)**, which is the most common foot deformity. * **Intelligence:** Children with AMC usually have **normal intelligence** and sensation. * **Management:** Early aggressive physical therapy and serial casting (Ponseti method for feet) are the mainstays of treatment.

Q: An afebrile, obese 14-year-old boy has developed pain at the right knee and a limp. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis. ### Explanation **Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)** is the most likely diagnosis based on the classic triad presented: **obesity, adolescent age (10–16 years), and referred knee pain.** #### 1. Why the Correct Answer is Right SCFE involves the displacement of the femoral neck (metaphysis) anteriorly and superiorly relative to the femoral head (epiphysis) through the physis. * **Demographics:** It typically affects obese adolescent boys during the pubertal growth spurt. * **Clinical Presentation:** Patients present with an antalgic limp and pain. Crucially, in 15–30% of cases, the pain is **referred to the knee** via the obturator nerve, often leading to a delayed diagnosis. * **Physical Exam:** A hallmark sign is **obligate external rotation** (the hip externally rotates automatically when flexed). #### 2. Why Other Options are Wrong * **Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease:** This is avascular necrosis of the femoral head. It typically affects younger children (ages 4–8) who are usually of small stature, not obese adolescents. * **Septic Arthritis/Osteomyelitis:** These are inflammatory/infectious conditions. The patient in the vignette is **afebrile**, making an infectious etiology highly unlikely. Septic arthritis would also present with an acute inability to bear weight and severe systemic distress. #### 3. High-Yield Pearls for NEET-PG * **Radiology:** The earliest sign is "Pre-slip" (widening of physis). On AP view, **Trethowan’s Sign** is seen (Klein’s line fails to intersect the femoral head). * **Classification:** Loder’s classification (Stable vs. Unstable) is the best predictor of prognosis (risk of AVN). * **Management:** The treatment of choice is **In-situ single screw fixation**. * **Associated Conditions:** If SCFE occurs in a non-obese child or outside the typical age range, screen for endocrine disorders like **hypothyroidism** or growth hormone deficiency.

Q: Von-Rosen's sign is positive in which condition?

DDH. **Explanation:** **Von-Rosen’s sign** is a clinical/radiological indicator used in the diagnosis of **Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)**, specifically in neonates. 1. **Why DDH is correct:** In a normal hip, a line drawn up the shaft of the femur (with the hips abducted to 45° and internally rotated) points toward the lateral edge of the acetabulum and intersects the spine at the level of the lumbosacral junction. In DDH, because the femoral head is dislocated superiorly and laterally, the **Von-Rosen’s line** (prolongation of the femoral shaft axis) points above the acetabulum, usually intersecting the midline at a higher vertebral level (e.g., L4 or L5). 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Perthes’ Disease:** This is avascular necrosis of the femoral head in children (typically ages 4–8). Clinical signs include the **Gage sign** (radiological) and limited internal rotation/abduction. * **SCFE (Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis):** This involves the displacement of the femoral epiphysis. Key signs include **Drehmann’s sign** (obligate external rotation during hip flexion) and **Trethowan’s sign** (on X-ray). * **CTEV (Clubfoot):** This is a foot deformity characterized by CAVE (Cavus, Adductus, Varus, Equinus). Diagnosis is clinical; radiological assessment uses the **Kite’s angle**. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Ortolani Maneuver:** Reduces a dislocated hip (clunk of entry). * **Barlow Maneuver:** Dislocates a lax hip (clunk of exit). * **Galeazzi Sign:** Apparent shortening of the femur (unequal knee heights). * **Trendelenburg Sign:** Positive in older children with untreated DDH due to abductor insufficiency. * **Investigation of Choice:** Ultrasound (USG) is preferred for infants <6 months; X-ray is used after 6 months once the femoral head ossifies.

Q: All of the following statements about Sprengel's deformity are false, except:

Ommovertebral bar present. **Sprengel’s Deformity** is a congenital condition characterized by the failure of the scapula to descend from its embryonic cervical position to its normal thoracic position. ### **Explanation of Options** * **Correct Answer (B): Ommovertebral bar present.** In approximately 30–50% of cases, an abnormal fibrous, cartilaginous, or osseous bridge called the **ommovertebral bone/bar** connects the superior angle of the scapula to the cervical spine (usually C4–C7). This restricts shoulder abduction and rotation. * **Option A (Dextrocardia):** This is not a classic association. Sprengel’s is more commonly associated with **Klippel-Feil Syndrome** (fused cervical vertebrae), scoliosis, and rib anomalies. * **Option C (Scapula diameter):** In this deformity, the scapula is actually **smaller in its vertical diameter** and **wider in its horizontal diameter**, appearing "short and fat." * **Option D (Congenital low scapula):** This is the opposite of the pathology. Sprengel’s is a **congenital high scapula**. ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** * **Embryology:** The scapula normally descends from the level of C4 to T2–T7 by the 8th week of gestation. Failure of this descent results in the deformity. * **Clinical Presentation:** Patients present with a high, rotated scapula, restricted shoulder abduction, and a short neck. * **Associated Conditions:** Most common association is **Klippel-Feil Syndrome**. Also associated with syringomyelia and diastematomyelia. * **Treatment:** * Mild cases: Observation/Physical therapy. * Severe cases (functional/cosmetic): Surgical procedures like **Woodward’s** or **Green’s procedure** (aimed at relocating the scapula inferiorly). * **Radiology:** The ommovertebral bar is best visualized on a CT scan or lateral X-ray.

Q: Pavlic harness is used to treat which of the following conditions?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip. **Explanation:** **Pavlik harness** is the gold standard, first-line treatment for **Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)** in infants from birth up to 6 months of age. It is a dynamic functional brace that maintains the hip in a position of **flexion (above 90°)** and **abduction**. This position centers the femoral head into the acetabulum (the "human position"), promoting stable hip development while allowing active movement. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Perthes Disease:** This is an idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head in children (4–8 years). Management involves observation or containment using braces like the **Atlanta (Scottish Rite) brace**, but not the Pavlik harness. * **Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE):** This occurs in adolescents (obese males). The definitive treatment is surgical stabilization with **in-situ percutaneous screw fixation**. * **Congenital Coxa Vara:** This is characterized by a decreased neck-shaft angle (less than 120°). It usually requires surgical correction via **Valgus Osteotomy** if the deformity is progressive. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Age Limit:** Pavlik harness is effective only up to **6 months**. Beyond this, closed or open reduction is usually required. * **Complication:** The most serious complication of a Pavlik harness is **Avascular Necrosis (AVN)** of the femoral head (due to excessive abduction) and **Femoral Nerve Palsy** (due to excessive flexion). * **Screening:** Clinical tests for DDH include **Barlow’s** (dislocatable) and **Ortolani’s** (reducible) maneuvers. Ultrasound is the investigation of choice for infants <6 months.

Q: A child was born with a deformity of the foot. The foot is severely internally rotated and inverted such that the sole faces superiorly. When should the treatment of this deformity begin?

As soon as possible after birth. **Explanation:** The clinical presentation described—severe internal rotation, inversion, and the sole facing superiorly—is characteristic of **Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)**, also known as Clubfoot. **1. Why Option A is correct:** The gold standard for CTEV management is the **Ponseti Method**. Treatment should ideally begin **as soon as possible after birth** (typically within the first week). In neonates, the connective tissues (ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules) are highly elastic due to the presence of maternal hormones like relaxin. Early serial casting exploits this biological plasticity, allowing for easier remodeling of the tarsal bones and correction of the deformity without extensive surgery. **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Option B (1 month):** While treatment can still be successful at one month, delaying it unnecessarily allows the soft tissues to become stiffer and the bony deformities to become more fixed, potentially increasing the duration of treatment or the need for surgical intervention. * **Option C (1 year):** By one year, the child begins weight-bearing, which further hardens the deformed anatomy. Neglected clubfoot at this stage often requires complex surgical releases or bony procedures (like osteotomies) rather than simple casting. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Components of CTEV (CAVE):** **C**avus, **A**dduction (forefoot), **V**arus (heel), and **E**quinus (ankle). * **Correction Order:** The Ponseti method follows the mnemonic **"CAV"** (Cavus first, then Adduction and Varus together). Equinus is always corrected last. * **Tenotomy:** About 80-90% of cases require a **Percutaneous Achilles Tenotomy** to correct the residual equinus. * **Maintenance:** After correction, a **Steenbeek or Denis Browne splint** (foot abduction brace) is used to prevent recurrence, worn 23 hours a day initially.

Question 1

What is the most common sign appreciated in congenital dislocation of the hip in an older child?

Accepted Answer

Limited abduction of the lower limb

Answer

Barlow test

Answer

Ortolani test

Answer

Painful range of motion

Question 2

Which of the following movements is restricted in Perthes disease?

Accepted Answer

Abduction and internal rotation

Answer

Adduction and external rotation

Answer

Abduction and external rotation

Answer

Adduction and internal rotation

Question 3

Which of the following sites is least commonly involved in arthrogryposis?

Accepted Answer

Trunk

Answer

Knee

Answer

Hip

Answer

Elbow

Question 4

An afebrile, obese 14-year-old boy has developed pain at the right knee and a limp. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Answer

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Answer

Osteomyelitis

Answer

Septic arthritis of the hip

Question 5

What is a greenstick fracture?

Accepted Answer

An incomplete fracture where the bone bends and breaks on one side but remains intact on the other, commonly seen in children.

Answer

A complete fracture that breaks through the entire bone cross-section in a transverse direction, seen in children.

Answer

An incomplete fracture where the bone bends and breaks in a spiral direction, seen in children.

Answer

A complete fracture that breaks through the entire bone cross-section in a spiral direction, seen in children.

Question 6

Von-Rosen's sign is positive in which condition?

Accepted Answer

DDH

Answer

Pehe's disease

Answer

SCFE

Answer

CTEV

Question 7

Which of the following is true about developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)?

Accepted Answer

Affected limbs are in adduction, internal rotation, and flexion in older children.

Answer

Male gender is a risk factor.

Answer

The femur neck is retroverted.

Answer

The ligamentum teres is atrophied.

Question 8

All of the following statements about Sprengel's deformity are false, except:

Accepted Answer

Ommovertebral bar present

Answer

Dextrocardia

Answer

Scapula is smaller in its horizontal diameter

Answer

Congenital low scapula

Question 9

Pavlic harness is used to treat which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Developmental dysplasia of the hip

Answer

Perthes disease

Answer

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Answer

Congenital coxa vara

Question 10

A child was born with a deformity of the foot. The foot is severely internally rotated and inverted such that the sole faces superiorly. When should the treatment of this deformity begin?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible after birth

Answer

1 month after birth

Answer

1 year after birth

Answer

None of the above

Pediatric Orthopaedics — MCQs

Pediatric Orthopaedics — MCQs

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