Pediatric Orthopaedics Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is NOT a common fracture in children?

Fracture of hand. ***Fracture of hand*** - While hand fractures can occur in children, they are generally **less common** compared to fractures of the long bones, especially those of the **upper extremity**, due to the types of activities and falls children typically experience. - The small bones of the hand are often better protected or less frequently exposed to severe direct trauma in routine childhood activities that lead to fractures elsewhere. *Lateral condyle humerus* - This is a common and often challenging fracture in children, particularly affecting those aged 6-10 years. - It usually results from a fall on an **outstretched hand**, with the elbow in extension. *Supracondylar humerus* - This is one of the **most common elbow fractures** in children and is typically due to a fall on an **outstretched hand** with the elbow extended or hyperextended. - Its significance lies in the potential for neurovascular complications due to its proximity to vital structures. *Radius-ulna fracture* - **Forearm fractures** involving the radius, ulna, or both are extremely common in children, often resulting from falls onto an **outstretched hand**. - The **distal radius** is a particularly frequent site of fracture in this age group.

Q: Thurston Holland sign is seen in ?

Type II. ***Type II*** - The **Thurston Holland sign** is characteristic of a **Salter-Harris Type II fracture**, often described as a metaphyseal fragment (the "Thurston Holland fragment") remaining attached to the epiphyseal plate. - This fragment typically occurs at the corner of the **metaphysis**, making the fracture line extend obliquely through the physis and then along the metaphysis. *Type I* - A **Salter-Harris Type I fracture** involves a clean horizontal separation through the **growth plate (physis)** without involving the metaphysis or epiphysis. - No metaphyseal fragment is seen in Type I fractures, distinguishing it from the Thurston Holland sign. *Type III* - **Salter-Harris Type III fractures** extend from the **physis into the epiphysis**, creating an intra-articular fracture involving the joint surface. - These fractures do not involve a metaphyseal fragment, as they solely affect the physis and epiphysis. *Type IV* - **Salter-Harris Type IV fractures** involve a fracture line extending through the **epiphysis, physis, and metaphysis**, effectively dividing the bone into three parts. - While complex, Type IV injuries do not specifically describe the characteristic metaphyseal fragment that defines the Thurston Holland sign.

Q: Madelung's deformity is characterized by an abnormality in which bone?

Distal radius. ***Distal radius*** - **Madelung's deformity** is primarily characterized by a **malformation of the distal radius**, specifically the physis (growth plate). - This leads to abnormal growth, causing the **radius to shorten and bow** dorsally, resulting in a prominent distal ulna. *Humerus* - The **humerus** is the bone of the upper arm, and abnormalities of this bone are not characteristic of Madelung's deformity. - Conditions affecting the humerus typically involve the shoulder or elbow joint, distinct from the wrist pathology seen in Madelung's. *Proximal ulna* - The **proximal ulna** forms part of the elbow joint, and while the ulna can be affected, the primary abnormality in Madelung's is in the radius. - While the ulna may appear prominent, this is secondary to the radial deformity, not a primary issue of the proximal ulna. *Carpals* - The **carpal bones** are located in the wrist, distal to the radius and ulna, and are not the primary site of deformity in Madelung's. - While wrist motion may be affected, the underlying cause is the abnormal growth of the distal radius, which can then impact carpal alignment.

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

Abduction & internal rotation. ***Abduction & internal rotation*** - **Perthes disease** affects the femoral head, leading to pain and stiffness that most commonly restricts **abduction** and **internal rotation** of the hip. - This restriction is an early and consistent clinical finding, often accompanied by a ** Trendelenburg gait** due to gluteal muscle weakness or pain avoidance. *Abduction & external rotation* - While abduction can be restricted, a primary restriction in **external rotation** is less typical in early Perthes disease. - Reduced external rotation is more characteristic of conditions like **slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)**, especially in older children. *Adduction & internal rotation* - **Adduction** is generally preserved or even increased in Perthes disease as the hip seeks a position of comfort due to pain, making it an unlikely primary restriction. - While internal rotation is restricted, the combination with adduction restriction is not the classical presentation. *Adduction & external rotation* - Neither **adduction** nor **external rotation** are typically the primary hip movements restricted in Perthes disease. - Restriction in adduction is rare, and external rotation is often compensatory or less affected than internal rotation.

Q: Which of the following statements is true regarding supracondylar fractures of the humerus?

Extension type most common. **Extension type most common** - **Extension-type supracondylar fractures** account for the vast majority (about 95%) of all supracondylar humerus fractures. - This type typically results from a fall on an **outstretched hand** with the elbow in extension, forcing the distal fragment posteriorly. *More common in adults* - **Supracondylar fractures of the humerus** are predominantly observed in children, especially between 5 and 10 years of age. - They are the **most common elbow fracture in children**, making this statement incorrect. *Flexion type is less common than extension type* - While flexion-type fractures do occur, they are significantly less common, representing only about 5% of all supracondylar fractures. - This type typically results from a direct blow to the posterior aspect of the elbow, with the distal fragment displaced anteriorly. *Both types are equally common* - As established, extension-type fractures are far more prevalent than flexion-type fractures, making them not equally common. - The significant disparity in incidence confirms that this statement is incorrect.

Q: What is the most common complication of lateral condyle humerus fracture?

Nonunion. ***Nonunion*** - The lateral condyle is an **epiphyseal apophysis**, meaning it's a secondary ossification center that doesn't contribute to longitudinal bone growth, and it is covered by **cartilage**, limiting the contact area between fracture fragments. - Due to the cartilage covering, the periosteal blood supply is compromised leading to difficulty in healing, making **nonunion the most common complication**. *Malunion* - While **malunion** can occur, it is less common than nonunion in lateral condyle fractures due to the specific anatomy and blood supply of the lateral condyle. - **Growth disturbances** or **cubitus valgus** can result from malunion, but nonunion remains the primary concern. *Vascular injury and compromise (VIC)* - **Vascular injuries** are rare due to the relatively intact soft tissue envelope around the fracture site. - The main vessels are not typically in close proximity to the fracture line of the lateral condyle. *Median nerve injury* - The **median nerve** courses anterior to the elbow joint, more medially. - It is rarely affected by lateral condyle fractures, which are on the lateral aspect of the distal humerus.

Q: What is the primary pathology associated with Congenital Dislocation of the Hip (CDH)?

Shallow acetabulum. ***Shallow acetabulum*** - A **shallow or dysplastic acetabulum** is the primary pathological feature in CDH, leading to an unstable or dislocated femoral head. - This anatomical abnormality prevents the femoral head from seating properly, causing **instability** and potential **dislocation**. *Large head of femur* - While femoral head abnormalities can occur, a **disproportionately large femoral head** is not the primary or most common pathological feature causing CDH. - The issue primarily lies with the **acetabular socket** rather than the size of the femoral head itself. *Excessive retroversion* - **Femoral retroversion** (backward twisting of the femoral neck relative to the femoral condyles) can be a contributing factor or an associated finding, but it is not the primary anatomical defect. - The principal pathology is the **inadequate containment** of the femoral head by a poorly formed acetabulum. *Coxa vara deformity* - **Coxa vara** is a deformity where the angle between the head and shaft of the femur is decreased. - While it can be associated with or contribute to hip instability in some conditions, it is not the primary or defining pathological feature of CDH.

Q: Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is specifically associated with which type of fracture?

Lateral condyle fracture of the humerus. ***Lateral condyle fracture of the humerus*** - This fracture, especially in children, can lead to **cubitus valgus deformity** as a long-term complication if it heals incorrectly. - The resulting **valgus angulation** at the elbow abnormally stretches the ulnar nerve behind the medial epicondyle, causing **tardy ulnar nerve palsy** years after the initial injury. *Medial condyle fracture of the humerus* - While close to the ulnar nerve, medial condyle fractures are more likely to cause **immediate nerve damage** due to direct impingement, rather than delayed or "tardy" palsy from chronic stretching. - Complications typically involve varus deformity, which does not commonly stretch the ulnar nerve in the same manner as valgus. *Fracture of the humeral shaft* - This type of fracture is more commonly associated with **radial nerve injury** (e.g., wrist drop), especially in fractures of the mid-shaft. - It does not typically lead to long-term deformities at the elbow that would cause **delayed ulnar nerve compression**. *Fracture of the radial shaft* - Radial shaft fractures (e.g., Monteggia, Galeazzi) primarily affect the **radial nerve** or the **posterior interosseous nerve**. - They do not directly involve the elbow joint in a manner that would cause **tardy ulnar nerve palsy**.

Q: What condition is primarily diagnosed using Von Rosen's view?

Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH). ***Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH)*** - **Von Rosen's view** is a specialized X-ray projection used specifically to assess for **developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)**, also known as CDH, in infants. - This view helps visualize the relationship between the **femoral head** and the **acetabulum** by positioning the infant's hips in extension, abduction, and internal rotation. *Perthes disease* - **Perthes disease** is an avascular necrosis of the femoral head, typically diagnosed with standard **frog-leg lateral** and **AP pelvic X-rays**. - While it affects the hip, Von Rosen's view is not the primary diagnostic imaging for this condition, which usually presents later in childhood. *Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)* - **CTEV**, or **clubfoot**, is a deformity of the foot and ankle, not the hip. - It is primarily diagnosed clinically and then confirmed with **AP and lateral X-rays of the foot** to assess bone alignment. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH)** is indeed primarily diagnosed using Von Rosen's view, among other methods.

Q: In neglected cases of CTEV, which joints are fused?

Calcaneocuboid, talonavicular, and talocalcaneal joints. ***Calcaneocuboid, talonavicular, and talocalcaneal joints*** - In neglected cases of **clubfoot (CTEV)**, a **triple arthrodesis** is performed to correct the deformity. - This procedure involves the fusion of the **subtalar (talocalcaneal)**, **talonavicular**, and **calcaneocuboid joints** to provide a stable, plantigrade foot. *Tibiotalar, calcaneocuboid, and talonavicular joints* - The **tibiotalar joint (ankle joint)** is generally preserved in triple arthrodesis for CTEV to maintain ankle motion. - Fusing the tibiotalar joint would significantly **reduce ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion**, leading to a stiff ankle. *None of the above joints* - This option is incorrect because the fusion of specific joints is a recognized surgical treatment for severe, neglected CTEV. - **Triple arthrodesis** is a well-established procedure for correcting rigid foot deformities. *Ankle joint, calcaneocuboid, and talonavicular joints* - As mentioned, fusion of the **ankle joint (tibiotalar joint)** is generally avoided in triple arthrodesis for CTEV to preserve functional ankle motion. - The goal is to stabilize the foot while retaining as much articulation as possible in the ankle itself.

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a common fracture in children?

Accepted Answer

Fracture of hand

Answer

Supracondylar humerus

Answer

Radius-ulna fracture

Answer

Lateral condyle humerus

Question 2

Thurston Holland sign is seen in ?

Accepted Answer

Type II

Answer

Type I

Answer

Type III

Answer

Type IV

Question 3

Madelung's deformity is characterized by an abnormality in which bone?

Accepted Answer

Distal radius

Answer

Humerus

Answer

Proximal ulna

Answer

Carpals

Question 4

Which of the following movements is typically restricted in Perthes disease?

Accepted Answer

Abduction & internal rotation

Answer

Abduction & external rotation

Answer

Adduction & internal rotation

Answer

Adduction & external rotation

Question 5

Which of the following statements is true regarding supracondylar fractures of the humerus?

Accepted Answer

Extension type most common

Answer

Flexion type is less common than extension type

Answer

Both types are equally common

Answer

More common in adults

Question 6

What is the most common complication of lateral condyle humerus fracture?

Accepted Answer

Nonunion

Answer

Malunion

Answer

Vascular injury and compromise (VIC)

Answer

Median nerve injury

Question 7

What is the primary pathology associated with Congenital Dislocation of the Hip (CDH)?

Accepted Answer

Shallow acetabulum

Answer

Large head of femur

Answer

Excessive retroversion

Answer

Coxa vara deformity

Question 8

Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is specifically associated with which type of fracture?

Accepted Answer

Lateral condyle fracture of the humerus

Answer

Medial condyle fracture of the humerus

Answer

Fracture of the humeral shaft

Answer

Fracture of the radial shaft

Question 9

What condition is primarily diagnosed using Von Rosen's view?

Accepted Answer

Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH)

Answer

Perthes disease

Answer

Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)

Answer

None of the options

Question 10

In neglected cases of CTEV, which joints are fused?

Accepted Answer

Calcaneocuboid, talonavicular, and talocalcaneal joints

Answer

Tibiotalar, calcaneocuboid, and talonavicular joints

Answer

None of the above joints

Answer

Ankle joint, calcaneocuboid, and talonavicular joints

Pediatric Orthopaedics — MCQs

Pediatric Orthopaedics — MCQs

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