Pediatric Orthopaedics Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following statements about limb shortening is FALSE?

Limb shortening is always due to injury.. ***Limb shortening is always due to injury.*** - This statement is false because **limb shortening** can also be caused by **congenital defects**, diseases, or **developmental abnormalities**, not exclusively injury. - While **trauma** can lead to limb length discrepancies, it is not the sole or universal cause. *Limb shortening can be caused by congenital defects.* - **Congenital limb length discrepancy** is a well-recognized condition where a limb is shorter from birth due to **developmental anomalies**, such as **fibula hemimelia** or **proximal focal femoral deficiency**. - These conditions are present at birth and are not related to external injury. *Limb shortening can occur due to disease.* - Various **diseases** can lead to limb shortening, including **bone dysplasias** (e.g., **achondroplasia**), **osteomyelitis** during childhood affecting growth plates, or **neuromuscular disorders** creating disuse and poor growth. - Conditions like **Perthes disease** or **slipped capital femoral epiphysis** can also cause growth disturbances resulting in a shorter limb. *All of the options.* - This option is incorrect because there is only one true statement among the choices that incorrectly describes limb shortening, which is "Limb shortening is always due to injury." The other options accurately describe causes of limb shortening.

Q: The Salter Harris classification is used for classifying which type of injuries?

Fractures involving the physis in children. ***Fractures involving the physis in children*** - The **Salter-Harris classification system** is specifically designed for classifying fractures that involve the **growth plate (physis)** in children. - This system helps predict the risk of **growth disturbance** and guides treatment decisions based on the fracture pattern. *Soft tissue injuries in pediatric patients* - The Salter-Harris classification does not apply to **soft tissue injuries** like sprains or strains. - Soft tissue injuries are assessed using different classification systems or descriptive terms. *Long bone fractures without growth plate involvement* - Fractures in children that do not involve the growth plate are classified using descriptive terms, such as **transverse**, **oblique**, or **spiral fractures**, or other systems like the **AO pediatric classification**, not Salter-Harris. - The Salter-Harris system is unique to physis involvement. *Joint dislocations in pediatric orthopedics* - **Joint dislocations** involve the displacement of bones at a joint and are classified by the direction of displacement (e.g., anterior, posterior). - They do not involve a fracture of the growth plate itself, so the Salter-Harris system is not applicable.

Q: A child presented to an orthopaedic clinic with a limp. The surgeon suspected him to have a fixed flexion deformity of the hip. Which test should the surgeon perform to confirm his finding?

Thomas test. ***Thomas test*** - The **Thomas test** is specifically designed to detect a **fixed flexion deformity of the hip**, where the hip cannot fully extend. - During the test, the patient's hip is flexed to flatten the lumbar spine, and if the contralateral leg then rises off the table, it indicates a fixed flexion deformity. *Trendelenburg's test* - The **Trendelenburg's test** assesses the strength and function of the **hip abductor muscles**, primarily the gluteus medius. - A positive result indicates weakness of the abductors on the standing leg, causing the pelvis to drop on the unsupported side, which is unrelated to fixed flexion deformity. *Nelaton's test* - **Nelaton's test** is used to determine the relative position of the **greater trochanter** in relation to the **ischial tuberosity** and **anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)**, primarily in cases of hip dislocation or fracture. - It would not specifically identify a fixed flexion deformity of the hip joint itself. *Telescoping test* - The **telescoping test** is used to evaluate for hip instability, particularly in infants with **developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)**. - It involves applying axial pressure to the femur while moving the hip, assessing for abnormal movement of the femoral head within the acetabulum, and does not directly detect fixed flexion deformity.

Q: 4 year old child presented to the clinic with a history of fall on outstretched hand. Radiographs revealed a broken anterior cortex with an intact posterior cortex of the radius with an exaggerated bowing of the radius. The fracture sustained is known as -

Greenstick fracture. ***Greenstick fracture*** - This fracture type involves a **broken anterior cortex** but an **intact posterior cortex**, leading to an exaggerated bowing of the bone, characteristic of a greenstick fracture. - It occurs predominantly in **children** due to their softer, more flexible bones, which tend to bend rather than fully break when subjected to force like a fall on an outstretched hand. *Torus Fracture* - A torus fracture, or **buckle fracture**, involves compression of the bone leading to a bulging or buckling of the cortex, usually on one side, without a complete break in the bone. - While it occurs in children, it presents as a compression injury and not with a broken cortex and intact posterior cortex with bowing. *Galleazi Fracture* - A Galleazi fracture is a fracture of the **distal radius** with **dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)**. - This fracture pattern involves two bones and two distinct injuries (fracture and dislocation), which is fundamentally different from the described single-bone incomplete fracture. *Monteggia Fracture Dislocation* - A Monteggia fracture involves a fracture of the **proximal ulna** with **dislocation of the radial head** at the elbow. - This injury also involves two bones and two distinct components (fracture and dislocation) and affects a different anatomical location (ulna and elbow) than described.

Q: Who devised the correction of CTEV by serial casting?

Ignacio Ponseti. ***Ignacio Ponseti*** - Dr. Ignacio Ponseti developed the **Ponseti method**, a non-surgical technique for correcting **congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV)**, commonly known as clubfoot. - This method involves a series of **gentle manipulations** and **serial casting**, followed by the use of a foot abduction brace. *Gerhardt Kuntscher* - **Gerhardt Kuntscher** was a German surgeon known for developing the **intramedullary nail** for fixing long bone fractures. - His contributions revolutionized the surgical management of fractures, but he did not develop the method for CTEV correction. *Gavril Ilizarov* - **Gavril Ilizarov** was a Soviet orthopedic surgeon famous for inventing the **Ilizarov apparatus**, an external fixator used for limb lengthening and complex fracture treatment. - His work focused on osteogenesis and bone regeneration, not the non-surgical correction of clubfoot. *Hugh Owen Thomas* - **Hugh Owen Thomas** was a Welsh orthopedic surgeon regarded as the "father of British orthopaedic surgery," known for the development of the **Thomas splint**. - His contributions were primarily in managing fractures and tuberculosis of the joints, independent of CTEV correction techniques.

Q: The main muscle affected in congenital muscular torticollis is?

Sternocleidomastoid. ***Sternocleidomastoid*** - Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is primarily caused by **unilateral fibrosis and shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM)**. - This leads to the characteristic **head tilt towards the affected side** and **chin rotation to the opposite side**. *Trapezius* - The trapezius muscle is primarily involved in **shrugging the shoulders**, extending and rotating the head and neck, but is not the main muscle affected in CMT. - While it can become secondarily tight in response to persistent head positioning, it is **not the primary pathological muscle** in CMT. *Scalenus Anticus* - The scalenus anticus (anterior scalene muscle) is involved in **neck flexion and elevation of the first rib** during forced inspiration. - It plays a role in various neck pain syndromes and brachial plexus compression, but it is **not the defining muscle in congenital muscular torticollis**. *Omohyoid* - The omohyoid is a **strap muscle of the neck** that depresses the hyoid bone. - It has no primary involvement in the **pathophysiology or clinical presentation of congenital muscular torticollis**.

Q: What is the most common structural deformity associated with transient synovitis of the hip?

None of the options. ***None of the options:*** - Transient synovitis of the hip is an inflammatory condition that does not inherently cause a **structural deformity** of the hip joint. - While it causes pain and limited range of motion, these are functional rather than structural changes, and the hip joint's **anatomical structure remains intact**. *Abduction* - Abduction is a **movement**, not a structural deformity. Although the hip may be held in a position of slight abduction to relieve pain, this is a postural adaptation, not a permanent structural change. - Hip abduction contractures can occur in various conditions (e.g., neuromuscular disorders) but are not characteristic of transient synovitis. *Flexion* - Similar to abduction, flexion is a **movement**, not a structural deformity. Patients with transient synovitis often hold the hip in a flexed position (along with abduction and external rotation) for comfort to minimize pressure within the joint capsule. - A fixed flexion deformity can be seen in other conditions like septic arthritis or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, but not typically in transient synovitis. *External rotation* - External rotation is also a **movement**, not a structural deformity. Patients may adopt an externally rotated position of the leg to ease pain and reduce intracapsular pressure. - While certain conditions can cause a fixed external rotation (e.g., slipped capital femoral epiphysis), transient synovitis does not lead to this type of structural change.

Q: What splint is used in CTEV after correction?

Dennis Brown splint. ***Dennis Brown splint*** - The **Dennis Brown splint** is specifically designed for maintaining the correction of **clubfoot (CTEV)** in infants to prevent recurrence. - It consists of a bar connecting two shoes that hold the feet in an **external rotation** and **abduction** position. *Bohler-Brown splint* - The **Bohler-Brown splint** is primarily used for the management of **tibial shaft fractures**. - It is a **traction splint** designed to maintain alignment and length of the fractured bone. *Thomas splint* - The **Thomas splint** is typically used for **femoral shaft fractures** to provide traction and reduce muscle spasm. - It is not indicated for the long-term management of clubfoot. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect as the **Dennis Brown splint** is a well-established and a primary splint used for CTEV after correction.

Q: Radiological sign in case of Perthes disease?

Flattening of femoral head. ***Flattening of femoral head*** - **Flattening** and **fragmentation** of the femoral head are characteristic radiological findings in **early-stage** Perthes disease. - This flattening is a direct consequence of the **avascular necrosis** and subsequent **remodeling** of the femoral epiphysis. *Fragmentation of femoral head epiphysis* - While **fragmentation** is a key feature of Perthes disease, it's typically observed **after** the initial flattening and sclerosis in the avascular stage. - It represents the process of **resorption** and **revascularization** as the bone attempts to heal. *Lateral femoral head displacement* - **Lateral displacement** of the femoral head is a more common finding in conditions like **slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)**, where the epiphysis slips from the metaphysis. - In Perthes disease, the primary issue is the **necrosis and collapse** of the femoral head itself, rather than displacement from the neck. *Limited hip abduction* - **Limited hip abduction** is a clinical sign, not a radiological sign, and it is a common symptom in Perthes disease due to pain, inflammation, and deformity of the femoral head. - Radiological signs are visual abnormalities observed on imaging studies like X-rays.

Q: Von-Rosen's sign is positive in which of the following conditions?

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). ***Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)*** - **Von-Rosen's sign** is a clinical test used to detect **instability or dislocation** of the hip in newborns, a hallmark of DDH. - The test involves placing the infant **supine with hips flexed to 90 degrees**, then **externally rotating and abducting** the hips while applying gentle longitudinal traction; positive if abduction is limited to **less than 60 degrees**. *Perthe's disease* - This condition involves **avascular necrosis of the femoral head** in children, typically presenting with a limp and hip pain, not congenital instability. - Diagnosis is usually made by X-rays showing **sclerosis and fragmentation** of the femoral head, not by Von-Rosen's sign. *SCFE* - **Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)** is a condition where the femoral head epiphysis displaces from the femoral neck, common in adolescents. - Patients typically present with **hip or knee pain** and a characteristic external rotation of the affected limb, which is not detected by Von-Rosen's sign. *CTEV* - **Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)**, or **clubfoot**, is a deformity of the foot and ankle, involving plantarflexion and inversion. - This condition affects the foot, not the hip, rendering tests for hip instability like Von-Rosen's sign irrelevant.

Question 1

Which of the following statements about limb shortening is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Limb shortening is always due to injury.

Answer

Limb shortening can be caused by congenital defects.

Answer

Limb shortening can occur due to disease.

Answer

All of the options.

Question 2

The Salter Harris classification is used for classifying which type of injuries?

Accepted Answer

Fractures involving the physis in children

Answer

Soft tissue injuries in pediatric patients

Answer

Long bone fractures without growth plate involvement

Answer

Joint dislocations in pediatric orthopedics

Question 3

A child presented to an orthopaedic clinic with a limp. The surgeon suspected him to have a fixed flexion deformity of the hip. Which test should the surgeon perform to confirm his finding?

Accepted Answer

Thomas test

Answer

Trendelenburgs test

Answer

Telescoping test

Answer

Nelaton's test

Question 4

4 year old child presented to the clinic with a history of fall on outstretched hand. Radiographs revealed a broken anterior cortex with an intact posterior cortex of the radius with an exaggerated bowing of the radius. The fracture sustained is known as -

Accepted Answer

Greenstick fracture

Answer

Torus Fracture

Answer

Galleazi Fracture

Answer

Monteggia Fracture Dislocation

Question 5

Who devised the correction of CTEV by serial casting?

Accepted Answer

Ignacio Ponseti

Answer

Gerhardt Kuntscher

Answer

Gavril Ilizarov

Answer

Hugh Owen Thomas

Question 6

The main muscle affected in congenital muscular torticollis is?

Accepted Answer

Sternocleidomastoid

Answer

Trapezius

Answer

Scalenus Anticus

Answer

Omohyoid

Question 7

What is the most common structural deformity associated with transient synovitis of the hip?

Accepted Answer

None of the options

Answer

Abduction

Answer

Flexion

Answer

External rotation

Question 8

What splint is used in CTEV after correction?

Accepted Answer

Dennis Brown splint

Answer

Bohler-Brown splint

Answer

Thomas splint

Answer

None of the options

Question 9

Radiological sign in case of Perthes disease?

Accepted Answer

Flattening of femoral head

Answer

Fragmentation of femoral head epiphysis

Answer

Lateral femoral head displacement

Answer

Limited hip abduction

Question 10

Von-Rosen's sign is positive in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

Answer

Perthe's disease

Answer

SCFE

Answer

CTEV

Pediatric Orthopaedics — MCQs

Pediatric Orthopaedics — MCQs

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