Here are full model answers for all 6 questions from the Army Medical College Bogura Orthopaedics Ward Assessment Exam:
Army Medical College Bogura - Orthopaedics SAQ & SEQ Answers
Question 1 — 55-year-old woman, fall on outstretched hand, dinner fork deformity of left wrist
a) Define this injury (1.0)
Colles' fracture is a transverse fracture of the distal radial metaphysis occurring within 2 cm of the radial articular surface, with dorsal displacement and dorsal angulation of the distal fragment, classically associated with fracture of the ulnar styloid process. It results from a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) with the wrist in dorsiflexion.
The dinner fork deformity results from dorsal displacement of the distal radial fragment producing a fork-shaped profile on lateral view.
(Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology; Rosen's Emergency Medicine)
b) How will you evaluate this patient? (1.5)
History:
- Mechanism - fall on outstretched hand, direction of force
- Dominant hand, occupation, baseline functional status
- Symptoms: pain, swelling, inability to move wrist
Clinical Examination:
- Inspection: dinner fork deformity, swelling, bruising
- Palpation: tenderness over distal radius within 2 cm of radial articular surface, radial shortening, crepitus
- Neurovascular status: median nerve (most commonly injured - check thumb opposition, sensation over palm/index/middle fingers), radial and ulnar nerves, capillary refill, radial pulse
- Associated injuries: elbow, shoulder
Investigations:
- X-ray wrist - PA and lateral views
- PA: radial shortening, intra-articular extension into radiocarpal or radioulnar joints, ulnar styloid fracture
- Lateral: dorsal displacement, dorsal angulation, loss of normal volar tilt of distal radial articular surface (normal volar tilt ~11°)
- CT scan if intra-articular comminution needs further delineation
(Rosen's Emergency Medicine)
c) Why are old women more prone to this injury? (1.0)
- Osteoporosis - Post-menopausal women have markedly reduced estrogen, leading to accelerated bone resorption and reduced bone mineral density. The distal radius (a cancellous-rich area) becomes particularly weak.
- Increased fall risk - Elderly women have impaired balance, muscle weakness (sarcopenia), visual impairment, and orthostatic hypotension.
- Protective response - On falling, they instinctively outstretched their hand, directing force through the weak distal radius.
- Body habitus - Reduced muscle mass in older women means less energy absorption before force reaches bone.
Colles' fracture is the commonest wrist injury in adults and is regarded as a sentinel fragility fracture for osteoporosis.
Question 2 — Middle-aged female, fall on outstretched hand, swelling of right forearm just above wrist
a) Enumerate injuries caused by fall on outstretched hand (FOOSH) (1.0)
- Colles' fracture - distal radial metaphysis, dorsal displacement
- Smith's fracture - distal radius, volar displacement (reverse Colles')
- Scaphoid fracture - most common carpal fracture; tenderness in anatomical snuffbox
- Barton's fracture - intra-articular fracture-dislocation of distal radius (dorsal or volar)
- Chauffeur's (Hutchinson's) fracture - radial styloid fracture
- Distal radius fracture (in children: greenstick/torus fractures)
- Monteggia fracture-dislocation - proximal ulnar fracture + radial head dislocation
- Supracondylar fracture of humerus (especially in children)
- Dislocation of shoulder or elbow
- Fracture of neck of radius
The scenario (swelling just above wrist, forearm) points to a distal radius fracture or Colles' fracture.
b) Radiological findings expected (1.0)
On plain X-ray (PA and lateral):
- PA view: Fracture line within 2 cm of distal radial articular surface; radial shortening; loss of radial inclination (normally ~22°); possible ulnar styloid fracture; intra-articular extension
- Lateral view: Dorsal displacement and angulation of distal fragment; loss of volar tilt (normally ~11°) - may show neutral or dorsal tilt; classic "dinner fork" profile on lateral
If scaphoid suspected: scaphoid views (ulnar deviation PA, oblique views); MRI if plain films negative
(Rosen's Emergency Medicine; Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology)
c) Early and late complications (1.5)
Early complications:
- Median nerve injury - most common nerve injury (acute contusion, traction, compression)
- Radial/ulnar nerve injury
- Vascular injury (radial artery)
- Acute carpal tunnel syndrome
- Compartment syndrome (rare)
- Associated soft tissue injuries
Late complications:
- Malunion - most common; results in radial shortening, loss of volar tilt, wrist deformity, weakness
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis - especially with intra-articular fractures
- Sudeck's atrophy (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / CRPS Type I) - pain, stiffness, vasomotor instability, osteoporosis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome - chronic median nerve compression
- Rupture of extensor pollicis longus tendon - attrition rupture over Lister's tubercle
- Stiffness of wrist and finger joints
- Secondary shoulder stiffness (from prolonged immobilization)
- Avascular necrosis of scaphoid (if associated scaphoid fracture missed)
Question 3 — 10-year-old boy, FOOSH, pain and swelling of right elbow
a) Probable diagnosis (0.5)
Supracondylar fracture of the humerus
This is the most common elbow fracture in children (peak age 5-10 years). The mechanism of FOOSH with elbow extension forces the distal humerus into hyperextension, producing the typical extension-type (Gartland) supracondylar fracture.
(Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery; Rosen's Emergency Medicine)
b) Management (1.5)
Initial assessment:
- Neurovascular status is MANDATORY - check radial pulse, anterior interosseous nerve (AIN: tip-to-tip pinch of thumb and index finger), radial nerve (wrist extension), median nerve, ulnar nerve
- Immobilize in a posterior splint (not in full flexion if swollen)
Based on Gartland classification:
| Grade | Description | Treatment |
|---|
| I | Undisplaced | Collar and cuff or backslab for 3 weeks |
| II | Partial displacement, posterior cortex intact | Closed reduction + above-elbow cast OR percutaneous K-wires |
| III | Complete displacement, no cortical contact | Closed reduction + percutaneous K-wire fixation + above-elbow cast for 3-4 weeks |
- Most displaced fractures: closed manipulation under general anesthesia + percutaneous K-wire fixation (two lateral entry wires or crossed wires)
- Above-elbow cast for 3-4 weeks post-fixation
- White pulseless hand = surgical emergency: immediate reduction; if pulse doesn't return, vascular exploration by trained surgeon
- Pink pulseless hand = close monitoring; if satisfactory perfusion, reduce and stabilize first
(Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery 28th Ed)
c) Probable complications (1.5)
Immediate:
- Neurovascular injury (anterior interosseous nerve most common; radial, median, ulnar nerves)
- Vascular injury - brachial artery injury (white pulseless hand)
Early:
- Volkmann's ischaemic contracture - most feared complication; due to compartment syndrome from excessive swelling or positioning in deep flexion; results in fibrosis and contracture of forearm flexors
- Compartment syndrome
- Malreduction
Late:
- Cubitus varus ("gunstock deformity") - most common late deformity; due to malunion with medial rotation/varus angulation; mainly cosmetic but may require corrective osteotomy
- Cubitus valgus - less common
- Elbow stiffness/loss of movement
- Myositis ossificans - especially if passive stretching done early
- Avascular necrosis of trochlea (rare)
- Tardy ulnar nerve palsy (with cubitus valgus)
(Bailey & Love's; Rosen's Emergency Medicine)
Question 4 — 55-year-old lady, FOOSH, painful swelling and dinner fork deformity of wrist
a) Most likely diagnosis and reverse type (1.0)
Most likely diagnosis: Colles' fracture
- Transverse fracture of distal radial metaphysis within 2 cm of articular surface
- Dorsal displacement and angulation → dinner fork deformity
Reverse type: Smith's fracture (also called "Reverse Colles' fracture")
- Fracture of distal radius with volar (anterior) displacement and angulation of the distal fragment
- Mechanism: fall on a flexed wrist or direct blow to dorsum of wrist
- Produces a "garden spade" deformity (volar prominence)
(Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology)
b) Investigation (1.0)
X-ray wrist (PA + lateral views):
- PA: fracture at distal radial metaphysis, radial shortening, possible ulnar styloid fracture, intra-articular extension
- Lateral: dorsal displacement and dorsal angulation, loss of volar tilt (normal ~11°)
Additional if needed:
- CT scan: if significant intra-articular comminution or complex pattern
- Bone density scan (DEXA): post-fracture to assess for osteoporosis
- Bloods: baseline before any intervention
c) Treatment (1.5)
Non-operative (majority):
- Closed reduction under procedural sedation / hematoma block / Bier block / regional nerve block
- Restore radial length, correct dorsal angulation (especially >20°), restore volar tilt
- Techniques: traction-countertraction, Cotton-Loader position
- Immobilization: Double sugar-tong splint (acute) → below-elbow cast for 4-6 weeks
- Wrist in slight volar flexion and ulnar deviation
- Avoid circumferential cast in first 24-48 hours (edema risk)
- Urgent orthopedic referral within 2-3 days
Operative indications:
- Significant comminution, displacement, or intra-articular step-off >2 mm
- Failure to maintain reduction
- Neurovascular compromise
- Open fractures
- Highly displaced or unstable fractures in active patients
Operative options:
- Percutaneous K-wire fixation
- Volar locking plate (ORIF) - current standard for unstable/displaced fractures
- External fixation (for severely comminuted fractures)
(Rosen's Emergency Medicine)
Question 5 — Monteggia/Galeazzi, Clavicle fracture
a) Define Monteggia and Galeazzi fracture dislocations (1.0)
Monteggia fracture-dislocation:
- Fracture of the proximal third of the ulna + dislocation of the radial head
- Bado classification (Types I-IV) based on direction of radial head dislocation
- Type I (most common): fracture of proximal ulna with anterior dislocation of radial head
- Radiocapitellar line (drawn along radial shaft) should pass through center of capitellum - disruption indicates radial head dislocation
Galeazzi fracture-dislocation:
- Fracture of the distal third of the radius + disruption of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)
- Called the "fracture of necessity" because it almost always requires operative fixation
- Opposite to Monteggia in pattern
Mnemonic: Monteggia = Middle/proximal ulna + radial head dislocation; Galeazzi = Guns at wrist (distal radius + DRUJ)
(Rosen's Emergency Medicine)
b) Outline management of clavicle fracture (1.5)
Classification by location:
- Middle third (most common, 70-80%)
- Lateral/distal third (15-20%)
- Medial third (rare, 5%)
Assessment:
- Neurovascular exam (subclavian vessels, brachial plexus)
- Check for associated pneumothorax, rib fractures
- AP X-ray of clavicle (cephalic tilt views for better visualization)
- CT for medial fractures/physeal separations
Non-operative treatment (majority):
- Arm sling for 4-6 weeks for comfort (simple broad arm sling)
- Figure-of-eight bandage: NOT currently recommended (increased complications, brachial plexus palsy risk with prolonged use)
- Analgesics, physiotherapy after pain resolves
- Most fractures unite without complication
Operative indications:
- Absolute: open fracture, neurovascular compromise, floating shoulder (associated scapular fracture), severe skin tenting
- Relative: shortening >2 cm, significant displacement/comminution, nonunion, high-level athlete, bilateral clavicle fractures
Operative options:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plate and screws (superior/anterior plating)
- Intramedullary nailing
(Rosen's Emergency Medicine; Miller's Review of Orthopaedics)
c) Structures that may be injured due to clavicle fracture (1.0)
The clavicle is closely related to multiple vital structures:
- Subclavian artery and vein - may be lacerated by sharp fracture fragments; especially with proximal/medial fractures
- Brachial plexus (trunks of C5-T1) - traction or direct injury; neurological deficit in arm
- Lung apex and pleura - pneumothorax or haemothorax (especially with displaced proximal fractures)
- Subclavian/axillary vein - venous injury, thrombosis
- Trachea and oesophagus - especially with posterior sternoclavicular dislocation/medial fractures
- Thoracic duct - rarely, on the left side
- Acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints - ligamentous injury
Question 6 — 65-year-old lady, pain and swelling around hip, inability to walk, fall 3 days ago
a) Two differential diagnoses (0.5)
- Fracture of the neck of femur (Femoral neck fracture / Intracapsular hip fracture)
- Intertrochanteric fracture (Extracapsular hip fracture)
(Both are common in elderly osteoporotic women following a fall. Other possibilities include: greater trochanteric fracture, pubic rami fractures, acetabular fracture, hip dislocation.)
(Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology)
b) How will you diagnose? (1.5)
History:
- Fall mechanism, site of pain (groin, hip, thigh)
- Inability to weight-bear
- Pre-injury mobility and functional status
Clinical Examination:
- Attitude of leg: shortened, externally rotated (displaced femoral neck / intertrochanteric fracture)
- Tenderness over hip region (greater trochanter for intertrochanteric; groin for intracapsular)
- Inability to perform straight leg raise (Pons/heel-to-floor rise sign)
- Neurovascular assessment
Investigations:
- X-ray pelvis (AP) and lateral hip - first line; identifies most fractures
- Fracture line location, displacement, Garden classification (for intracapsular)
- Trabecular pattern disruption in subtle fractures
- MRI hip - most sensitive for occult fractures (missed on plain X-ray in ~15% of cases); investigation of choice if clinical suspicion high and X-ray negative
- CT - useful if MRI unavailable, for operative planning in complex fractures
- Bloods: FBC, renal/liver function, clotting, group & screen (pre-operative)
- ECG, chest X-ray (pre-operative fitness)
Classification: Garden classification for intracapsular (I = undisplaced, II = complete but not displaced, III = partially displaced, IV = fully displaced)
(Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology; Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics)
c) Treatment (1.5)
General principles:
- Optimize medical comorbidities rapidly; aim for surgery within 48 hours
- DVT prophylaxis (LMWH), pressure sore prevention, adequate analgesia
Intracapsular fractures (femoral neck):
| Patient/Fracture | Treatment |
|---|
| Displaced (Garden III/IV) in elderly | Hemiarthroplasty (Austin Moore / Thompson prosthesis) |
| Displaced in independently mobile elderly patient | Total hip replacement (THR) |
| Undisplaced (Garden I/II) in young patient (<60 yrs) | Internal fixation - dynamic hip screw (DHS) or multiple cannulated screws |
Extracapsular fractures (intertrochanteric):
- Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) and plate fixation - standard treatment
- Intramedullary nail (cephalomedullary nail) for unstable/subtrochanteric patterns
- Blood supply at less risk, so avascular necrosis uncommon
Non-operative (selected patients only):
- Medically unfit for surgery: skin traction, bed rest, early mobilization as tolerated
- Risk of malunion, non-union, pressure sores - generally avoided unless no surgical option
Rehabilitation:
- Early mobilization (day 1 post-op if possible)
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy
- Osteoporosis treatment (bisphosphonates, calcium/vitamin D) to prevent future fractures
- Falls prevention assessment
(Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology; Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics 15th Ed)
---All 6 questions have been fully answered above. Here is a quick summary of the key diagnoses and themes:
| Q | Scenario | Core Diagnosis |
|---|
| 1 | 55F, FOOSH, dinner fork deformity | Colles' fracture |
| 2 | Middle-aged F, FOOSH, forearm swelling above wrist | Colles' / distal radius fracture |
| 3 | 10-year-old boy, FOOSH, right elbow swelling | Supracondylar fracture of humerus |
| 4 | 55F, FOOSH, dinner fork deformity (repeat) | Colles' fracture (reverse = Smith's fracture) |
| 5 | Definitions + clavicle fracture | Monteggia / Galeazzi / clavicle |
| 6 | 65F, fall, hip pain, unable to walk | Neck of femur fracture / intertrochanteric fracture |
Key high-yield points to remember:
- Colles' = dorsal displacement; Smith's = volar displacement (reverse Colles')
- Monteggia = proximal ulna + radial head dislocation; Galeazzi = distal radius + DRUJ disruption
- Supracondylar fracture in children: most feared complication = Volkmann's ischaemic contracture; most common late deformity = cubitus varus
- Clavicle fracture: arm sling preferred over figure-of-eight; beware subclavian vessels, brachial plexus, pneumothorax
- Hip fractures in elderly: displaced intracapsular → hemiarthroplasty/THR; extracapsular → DHS
Sources: Rosen's Emergency Medicine, Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery 28th Ed, Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics 15th Ed, Miller's Review of Orthopaedics 9th Ed