Pediatric Orthopaedics Practice Questions

Q: Fairbank triangle is seen in

Congenital coxa vara. ***Congenital coxa vara*** - The Fairbank triangle refers to a radiographic sign seen in **congenital coxa vara**, which helps in diagnosing the condition. - It is formed by a line drawn along the femoral shaft, a perpendicular line from the same point to the femoral head's lower margin, and a third line connecting the intersection on the shaft to the top of the femoral head, creating a diagnostic triangle when the head is malaligned. *CDH* - **Congenital developmental dysplasia of the hip (CDH)** involves abnormal development of the hip joint. - While it can lead to hip deformities, the **Fairbank triangle** is not a specific diagnostic sign for CDH. *Perthe's disease* - **Perthe's disease** is an avascular necrosis of the femoral head, typically affecting children. - Radiographic findings include **sclerosis**, **fragmentation**, and later flattening of the femoral head, but not the Fairbank triangle. *SCFE* - **Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)** is characterized by a posterior and inferior displacement of the femoral head epiphysis from the metaphysis. - Radiographic signs include the **Klein's line**, but the Fairbank triangle is not associated with SCFE.

Q: In elbow, osteochondritis usually involves

Capitulum. ***Capitulum*** - The **capitulum** of the humerus is the most common site for **osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)** in the elbow, especially in throwing athletes and gymnasts. - This condition involves an avascular necrosis of the subchondral bone leading to a detachment of a cartilage fragment. *Olecranon* - The **olecranon** is part of the ulna and is more commonly affected by **stress fractures** or **bursitis**, not typically osteochondritis. - While it articulates with the trochlea, it does not bear the primary compressive forces that lead to osteochondritis in the same way the capitulum does. *Trochlea* - The **trochlea** of the humerus articulates with the trochlear notch of the ulna and is less frequently involved in primary osteochondritis compared to the capitulum. - Pathologies here are more likely related to **instability** or **fractures**. *Radial head* - The **radial head** articulates with the capitulum and is more prone to **fractures** or degenerative changes like **osteoarthritis**. - While it can be affected by **osteochondral lesions**, the capitulum is the classic site for elbow osteochondritis dissecans.

Q: What is a Pulled Elbow?

Partial dislocation of the radial head. ***Partial dislocation of the radial head*** - A pulled elbow, also known as **nursemaid's elbow**, specifically refers to a **subluxation of the radial head** from the annular ligament. - This injury typically occurs in young children when their arm is suddenly pulled or jerked, causing the **radial head** to slip out of the **annular ligament**. *Complete separation of the elbow joint* - A complete separation of the elbow joint would involve a **full dislocation** of the humeroulnar or humeroradial joints, a much more severe injury than a pulled elbow. - This would present with more significant deformity and instability compared to the subtle presentation of a pulled elbow. *Subluxation of proximal radio ulnar joint* - While the injury involves the radius and ulna, the specific subluxation in a pulled elbow is that of the **radial head** at the **humero-radial joint**, not primarily the proximal radio-ulnar joint itself. - The focus is on the annular ligament's integrity around the radial head, rather than direct forces acting on the proximal radio-ulnar articulation. *No injury present* - A pulled elbow is a recognized and common **pediatric orthopedic injury** requiring intervention to reduce the radial head. - The child will typically present with pain, refusal to use the affected arm, and a characteristic holding posture.

Q: Green stick fracture is

Incomplete fracture. ***Incomplete fracture*** - A **greenstick fracture** is an **incomplete fracture** where the bone bends and cracks but does not break all the way through. - This type of fracture commonly occurs in children because their bones are more flexible and softer than adult bones. *Fracture in adults* - While adults can experience various types of fractures, a **greenstick fracture** is rare in adults due to their more rigid and brittle bones. - Adult bones tend to sustain **complete fractures** or other complex fracture patterns instead of bending partially. *Complete fracture* - A **complete fracture** denotes a break in the bone that severs it into two or more distinct pieces. - **Greenstick fractures** are by definition incomplete, meaning the bone is still partially intact. *Fracture spine* - A **spinal fracture** specifically refers to a break in one or more vertebrae in the spinal column. - While spinal fractures can be complete or incomplete, the term **greenstick fracture** is not typically used to describe fractures of the spine.

Q: Congenital pseudoarthrosis is seen in which of the following?

Tibia. ***Tibia*** - **Congenital pseudoarthrosis** is most commonly found in the **tibia**, presenting as a false joint due to a failure of proper bone healing. - It often correlates with **neurofibromatosis type 1**, where a segment of the bone fails to ossify correctly. *Hip joint* - **Congenital pseudoarthrosis** does not typically manifest in the hip joint; rather, conditions like **congenital hip dysplasia** are more common. - This condition involves an abnormal development of the hip socket and femoral head, leading to instability or dislocation. *Femur* - While congenital pseudoarthrosis can rarely occur in the **femur**, it is significantly less common than in the tibia. - Femur involvement typically presents differently, often with **shortening** or bowing, without forming a false joint as seen in the tibia. *Radius - ulna* - **Congenital pseudoarthrosis** in the radius or ulna is rare and is more commonly associated with conditions like **neurofibromatosis** or other skeletal dysplasias. - It often leads to forearm deformation and functional impairment, distinct from the typical presentation in the tibia.

Q: Which is the most common elbow fracture in children?

Supracondylar fracture. ***Supracondylar fracture*** - These fractures account for 60-70% of all elbow fractures in children, making them the **most common type**. - They typically occur from a **fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH)**, leading to hyperextension of the elbow and forces exerted on the distal humerus. *Lateral condyle fracture* - While common, these fractures are less frequent than supracondylar fractures, typically comprising about 15-20% of elbow fractures in children. - They usually result from a direct blow or **varus stress** to the elbow. *Medial epicondyle fracture* - These fractures are less common than supracondylar fractures, often occurring in older children or adolescents during sports activities due to **valgus stress** or muscle avulsion. - They are frequently associated with elbow dislocation. *Olecranon fracture* - Olecranon fractures are relatively rare in children compared to other elbow fractures, often resulting from a direct blow or fall. - They typically involve the **proximal ulna** and are less common than fractures involving the distal humerus.

Q: What is the most common bone fractured in children?

Fracture of the clavicle. ***Fracture of the clavicle*** - The clavicle is the **most commonly fractured bone in children**, especially during falls onto an outstretched hand or direct trauma. - Its subcutaneous location and an **S-shape** make it prone to injury. *Fracture of the distal radius* - While common, especially in older children or adolescents, **distal radius fractures** are not as frequent as clavicle fractures across all pediatric age groups. - These fractures often result from a **fall onto an outstretched hand** (FOOSH). *Fracture of the supracondylar humerus* - **Supracondylar humerus fractures** are common in children, particularly between ages 5 and 7 years, usually due to falls. - However, they are associated with more potential complications (like **nerve or vascular injury**) but are less common overall than clavicle fractures. *Fracture of the radius/ulna* - **Fractures of the midshaft radius and/or ulna** are common in children but often require more significant trauma compared to clavicle fractures. - These often present as **greenstick or torus fractures** in younger children.

Q: Blount's disease is associated with all of the following, except:

Genu recurvatum (hyperextension of the knee). ***Genu recurvatum (hyperextension of the knee)*** - Blount's disease is primarily characterized by **genu varum** (bowing of the legs) due to abnormal growth of the proximal tibia. - **Genu recurvatum** is not a typical feature or associated deformity of Blount's disease. *Genu varum (tibia vara)* - This is the **hallmark deformity** of Blount's disease, involving an inward bowing of the leg predominantly at the knee. - It results from a growth disturbance in the **medial portion of the proximal tibial physis**. *External tibial torsion (can occur in some cases)* - While less common than internal torsion, **external tibial torsion** can sometimes be a secondary or associated deformitry in complex cases of Blount's disease, especially with progressive bowing. - It involves an outward twisting of the tibia relative to the femur. *Internal tibial torsion (common in Blount's disease)* - **Internal tibial torsion** is a frequently observed deformity in patients with Blount's disease. - It results in an inward rotation of the lower leg, contributing to the overall malalignment alongside the genu varum.

Q: Fracture of the femur in young children (2-5 years) is typically treated by:

Closed reduction & splintage. ***Closed reduction & splintage*** - In young children (2-5 years), **femur fractures** are often treated non-operatively with **closed reduction** and immediate application of a **hip spica cast** or other splintage. - This approach takes advantage of the excellent **bone remodeling potential** in young children, allowing for good functional outcomes. *Open reduction (surgical intervention)* - **Open reduction** is generally reserved for open fractures, - It is also indicated for fractures with associated neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, or in older children where non-operative management has failed. *Gallow's splint* - The **Gallow's splint** (also known as Bryant's traction) involves suspending both legs vertically, and is typically used for **femur fractures in infants younger than 1 year** due to the risk of vascular compromise or compartment syndrome in older or heavier children. - It is not the primary treatment for children aged 2-5 years. *Intramedullary nailing (surgical fixation)* - **Intramedullary nailing** is a surgical option, usually considered for **femur fractures in older children** (typically 6 years and above) or adolescents. - It provides stable fixation but is generally avoided in very young children due to potential damage to the **growth plates** or complications related to implant size.

Q: A 15-year-old girl complains of anterior knee pain that increases when going upstairs and getting up after prolonged sitting. The most probable diagnosis is:

Chondromalacia Patellae. ***Chondromalacia Patellae*** * This condition is characterized by the **softening and breakdown of the cartilage** on the undersurface of the patella. * **Anterior knee pain** exacerbated by activities that load the patellofemoral joint, such as climbing stairs and prolonged sitting, is a classic presentation, especially in young active individuals. *Plica syndrome* * **Plica syndrome** involves irritation or inflammation of a synovial fold (plica) in the knee joint. * While it can cause anterior knee pain, it often presents with a **snapping or popping sensation** and can be caused by trauma, which is not mentioned here. *Bipartite patellae* * **Bipartite patella** is a congenital condition where the patella fails to completely fuse into a single bone. * It is often **asymptomatic** and discovered incidentally; when symptomatic, pain is usually more constant and localized to the upper outer quadrant of the patella, rather than activity-dependent. *Patellofemoral arthritis* * **Patellofemoral arthritis** involves degenerative changes of the cartilage in the patellofemoral joint, similar to chondromalacia. * However, it is typically seen in **older individuals** and is less likely to be the primary diagnosis in a 15-year-old girl, although chondromalacia patellae can predispose to it later in life.

Question 1

Fairbank triangle is seen in

Accepted Answer

Congenital coxa vara

Answer

CDH

Answer

Perthe's disease

Answer

SCFE

Question 2

In elbow, osteochondritis usually involves

Accepted Answer

Capitulum

Answer

Olecranon

Answer

Trochlea

Answer

Radial head

Question 3

What is a Pulled Elbow?

Accepted Answer

Partial dislocation of the radial head

Answer

Subluxation of proximal radio ulnar joint

Answer

Complete separation of the elbow joint

Answer

No injury present

Question 4

Green stick fracture is

Accepted Answer

Incomplete fracture

Answer

Fracture in adults

Answer

Complete fracture

Answer

Fracture spine

Question 5

Congenital pseudoarthrosis is seen in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Tibia

Answer

Hip joint

Answer

Femur

Answer

Radius - ulna

Question 6

Which is the most common elbow fracture in children?

Accepted Answer

Supracondylar fracture

Answer

Olecranon fracture

Answer

Medial epicondyle fracture

Answer

Lateral condyle fracture

Question 7

What is the most common bone fractured in children?

Accepted Answer

Fracture of the clavicle

Answer

Fracture of the distal radius

Answer

Fracture of the supracondylar humerus

Answer

Fracture of the radius/ulna

Question 8

Blount's disease is associated with all of the following, except:

Accepted Answer

Genu recurvatum (hyperextension of the knee)

Answer

External tibial torsion (can occur in some cases)

Answer

Genu varum (tibia vara)

Answer

Internal tibial torsion (common in Blount's disease)

Question 9

Fracture of the femur in young children (2-5 years) is typically treated by:

Accepted Answer

Closed reduction & splintage

Answer

Gallow's splint

Answer

Open reduction (surgical intervention)

Answer

Intramedullary nailing (surgical fixation)

Question 10

A 15-year-old girl complains of anterior knee pain that increases when going upstairs and getting up after prolonged sitting. The most probable diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Chondromalacia Patellae

Answer

Plica syndrome

Answer

Bipartite patellae

Answer

Patellofemoral arthritis

Pediatric Orthopaedics — MCQs

Pediatric Orthopaedics — MCQs

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