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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)

  1. 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.
  2. Increased fall risk - Elderly women have impaired balance, muscle weakness (sarcopenia), visual impairment, and orthostatic hypotension.
  3. Protective response - On falling, they instinctively outstretched their hand, directing force through the weak distal radius.
  4. 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)

  1. Colles' fracture - distal radial metaphysis, dorsal displacement
  2. Smith's fracture - distal radius, volar displacement (reverse Colles')
  3. Scaphoid fracture - most common carpal fracture; tenderness in anatomical snuffbox
  4. Barton's fracture - intra-articular fracture-dislocation of distal radius (dorsal or volar)
  5. Chauffeur's (Hutchinson's) fracture - radial styloid fracture
  6. Distal radius fracture (in children: greenstick/torus fractures)
  7. Monteggia fracture-dislocation - proximal ulnar fracture + radial head dislocation
  8. Supracondylar fracture of humerus (especially in children)
  9. Dislocation of shoulder or elbow
  10. 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:
GradeDescriptionTreatment
IUndisplacedCollar and cuff or backslab for 3 weeks
IIPartial displacement, posterior cortex intactClosed reduction + above-elbow cast OR percutaneous K-wires
IIIComplete displacement, no cortical contactClosed 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):
  1. 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
  2. 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)
  3. 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:
  1. Subclavian artery and vein - may be lacerated by sharp fracture fragments; especially with proximal/medial fractures
  2. Brachial plexus (trunks of C5-T1) - traction or direct injury; neurological deficit in arm
  3. Lung apex and pleura - pneumothorax or haemothorax (especially with displaced proximal fractures)
  4. Subclavian/axillary vein - venous injury, thrombosis
  5. Trachea and oesophagus - especially with posterior sternoclavicular dislocation/medial fractures
  6. Thoracic duct - rarely, on the left side
  7. 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)

  1. Fracture of the neck of femur (Femoral neck fracture / Intracapsular hip fracture)
  2. 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/FractureTreatment
Displaced (Garden III/IV) in elderlyHemiarthroplasty (Austin Moore / Thompson prosthesis)
Displaced in independently mobile elderly patientTotal 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:
QScenarioCore Diagnosis
155F, FOOSH, dinner fork deformityColles' fracture
2Middle-aged F, FOOSH, forearm swelling above wristColles' / distal radius fracture
310-year-old boy, FOOSH, right elbow swellingSupracondylar fracture of humerus
455F, FOOSH, dinner fork deformity (repeat)Colles' fracture (reverse = Smith's fracture)
5Definitions + clavicle fractureMonteggia / Galeazzi / clavicle
665F, fall, hip pain, unable to walkNeck 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

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Army Medical College Bogura — Orthopaedics Ward Assessment Exam (SAQ & SEQ)


Question 1 — 55-year-old woman, FOOSH, dinner fork deformity of left wrist

a) Define this injury (1.0)

Colles' fracture is a transverse fracture of the distal radial metaphysis 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.
  • Mechanism: Fall On OutStretched Hand (FOOSH) with wrist in dorsiflexion
  • The dorsal displacement of the distal fragment creates the characteristic "dinner fork deformity" on lateral view

b) How will you evaluate this patient? (1.5)

History:
  • Mechanism of injury (FOOSH), dominant hand, occupation
  • Pain, swelling, deformity, inability to move wrist
  • Comorbidities (osteoporosis, previous fractures)
Clinical Examination:
  • Inspection: Dinner fork deformity, swelling, bruising, skin integrity
  • Palpation: Tenderness over distal radius, radial shortening, crepitus, ulnar styloid tenderness
  • Neurovascular assessment (mandatory):
    • Median nerve (most commonly injured): thumb opposition, sensation over thumb/index/middle fingers and radial palm
    • Radial and ulnar nerve function
    • Radial pulse, capillary refill
  • Range of movement (limited by pain)
  • Examine elbow and shoulder for associated injuries
Investigations:
  • X-ray wrist — PA and lateral views:
    • PA: fracture within 2 cm of articular surface, radial shortening, loss of radial inclination (~22° normally), ulnar styloid fracture, intra-articular extension
    • Lateral: dorsal displacement and angulation, loss of volar tilt (normal ~11°) — the "dinner fork" profile
  • CT scan if significant intra-articular comminution needs further evaluation

c) Why are old women more prone to this injury? (1.0)

  1. Osteoporosis — Post-menopausal estrogen deficiency leads to accelerated bone resorption and reduced bone mineral density; the cancellous-rich distal radius is particularly vulnerable
  2. Increased fall risk — Elderly women have impaired balance, muscle weakness (sarcopenia), poor vision, and orthostatic hypotension
  3. Protective reflex — On falling, they instinctively oustretch the hand, directing the full force through the weakened distal radius
  4. Reduced muscle mass — Less energy absorbed by soft tissue before force reaches bone
Colles' fracture is considered a sentinel fragility fracture and should prompt investigation and treatment for osteoporosis.

Question 2 — Middle-aged female, FOOSH, swelling of right forearm just above wrist

a) Enumerate injuries caused by fall on outstretched hand (1.0)

  1. Colles' fracture — distal radial metaphysis, dorsal displacement
  2. Smith's fracture — distal radius, volar displacement (reverse Colles')
  3. Scaphoid fracture — most common carpal fracture; anatomical snuffbox tenderness
  4. Barton's fracture — intra-articular fracture-dislocation of distal radius
  5. Chauffeur's (Hutchinson's) fracture — radial styloid fracture
  6. Distal radius fractures in children — greenstick, torus/buckle fractures
  7. Monteggia fracture-dislocation — proximal ulna fracture + radial head dislocation
  8. Supracondylar fracture of humerus — especially in children
  9. Dislocation of elbow or shoulder
  10. Fracture of neck of radius
(Swelling just above wrist in a middle-aged female most likely = Colles' fracture)

b) Radiological findings expected (1.0)

Plain X-ray wrist — PA and lateral views:
  • PA view:
    • Transverse fracture within 2 cm of distal radial articular surface
    • Radial shortening
    • Loss of radial inclination (normal ~22°)
    • Fracture of ulnar styloid process (common association)
    • Possible intra-articular extension into radiocarpal or radioulnar joints
  • Lateral view:
    • Dorsal displacement of distal fragment
    • Dorsal angulation — loss of volar tilt (normal ~11°; may become neutral or dorsally tilted)
    • Classic "dinner fork" silhouette
If scaphoid fracture suspected: dedicated scaphoid views (ulnar-deviated PA, oblique); MRI if plain films negative

c) Early and late complications (1.5)

Early complications:
  • Median nerve injury — most common (contusion, traction, or compression); acute carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Radial/ulnar nerve injury
  • Brachial artery/radial artery injury
  • Compartment syndrome (rare but serious)
  • Associated tendon/ligament injuries
Late complications:
  • Malunion — most common; radial shortening, loss of volar tilt → weak grip, pain, deformity
  • Sudeck's atrophy (CRPS Type I) — pain, swelling, skin changes, stiffness, osteoporosis of hand
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome — chronic median nerve compression
  • Rupture of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon — attrition rupture at Lister's tubercle (presents weeks later as loss of thumb extension)
  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis — especially with intra-articular extension
  • Stiffness of wrist and finger joints
  • Secondary shoulder stiffness — from prolonged immobilization
  • Non-union (rare for distal radius)

Question 3 — 10-year-old boy, FOOSH, pain and swelling of right elbow

a) Probable diagnosis (0.5)

Supracondylar fracture of the humerus
  • Most common elbow fracture in children (peak age 5–10 years)
  • FOOSH with elbow in extension forces the distal humerus posteriorly
  • Extension type (Gartland classification) accounts for >95% of cases

b) Management (1.5)

Step 1 — Immediate assessment:
  • Neurovascular status is mandatory before any intervention:
    • Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN): tip-to-tip pinch of thumb and index finger
    • Radial nerve: wrist/finger extension
    • Median nerve: wrist flexion, thumb opposition, sensation
    • Radial pulse, capillary refill, skin color/warmth
Step 2 — Treatment by Gartland Grade:
GradeDescriptionTreatment
IUndisplacedCollar and cuff / posterior backslab for 3 weeks
IIPartial displacement, posterior cortex intactClosed reduction + above-elbow cast OR percutaneous K-wires
IIIComplete displacement, no cortical contactClosed reduction under GA + percutaneous K-wire fixation + above-elbow cast (3–4 weeks)
  • White pulseless hand = surgical emergency: immediate reduction; if pulse does not return → vascular exploration
  • Pink pulseless hand = careful monitoring; if satisfactory perfusion, reduce and stabilize, reassess pulse
  • Do NOT put elbow in deep flexion if significant swelling (risk of compartment syndrome/Volkmann's)
  • Remove K-wires at 3–4 weeks; progressive mobilization thereafter

c) Probable complications (1.5)

Immediate:
  • Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) injury — most common nerve injury
  • Radial, median, or ulnar nerve injury
  • Brachial artery injury → vascular compromise
Early:
  • Volkmann's ischaemic contracture — most feared complication; due to compartment syndrome from swelling or excessive elbow flexion; leads to fibrosis and fixed flexion contracture of forearm flexors
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Pin-tract infection (if K-wires used)
Late:
  • Cubitus varus ("gunstock deformity") — most common late complication; malunion with medial rotation/varus tilt; mainly cosmetic but may require corrective supracondylar osteotomy
  • Cubitus valgus (less common)
  • Myositis ossificans — if aggressive passive manipulation done early
  • Elbow stiffness/reduced range of movement
  • Avascular necrosis of trochlea (rare — "fishtail deformity")
  • Tardy ulnar nerve palsy (with cubitus valgus)

Question 4 — 55-year-old lady, FOOSH, painful swelling and dinner fork deformity

a) Most likely diagnosis and reverse type (1.0)

Most likely diagnosis: Colles' fracture
  • Fracture of distal radial metaphysis within 2 cm of articular surface
  • Dorsal displacement and angulation → dinner fork deformity
Reverse type: Smith's fracture ("Reverse Colles' fracture")
  • Fracture of distal radius with volar (anterior) displacement and angulation of distal fragment
  • Mechanism: fall on a flexed wrist, or direct blow to dorsum of wrist
  • Produces a "garden spade" deformity (ventral prominence)
  • Also called "reverse dinner fork" deformity

b) Investigations (1.0)

  • X-ray wrist — PA and lateral views (as detailed in Q1b above)
    • Confirms fracture, assesses displacement, angulation, intra-articular extension, ulnar styloid
  • CT scan if complex intra-articular comminution needs delineation for surgical planning
  • DEXA scan — after acute management, to assess for underlying osteoporosis
  • Baseline bloods if operative management planned (FBC, U&E, clotting, group & save)

c) Treatment (1.5)

Non-operative (majority of cases):
  1. Closed reduction under anesthesia (hematoma block / Bier block / regional nerve block / procedural sedation)
    • Goals: restore radial length, correct dorsal angulation (especially >20°), restore volar tilt
    • Technique: longitudinal traction, then palmar flexion and ulnar deviation
  2. Immobilization:
    • Acute: double sugar-tong splint (avoids circumferential cast in first 24–48 hours due to swelling)
    • After swelling subsides: below-elbow cast for 4–6 weeks (wrist in slight volar flexion and ulnar deviation)
  3. Repeat X-ray at 1 week to check for re-displacement
  4. Urgent orthopedic outpatient review within 2–3 days
Operative indications:
  • Intra-articular step-off >2 mm
  • Radial shortening >5 mm
  • Dorsal angulation >20° (or failure to maintain reduction)
  • Open fractures
  • Associated neurovascular compromise
  • Highly comminuted/unstable fractures in active patients
Operative options:
  • Volar locking plate (ORIF) — current gold standard for unstable/displaced fractures
  • Percutaneous K-wire fixation — simpler, for reducible but unstable fractures
  • External fixation — for severely comminuted fractures

Question 5 — Monteggia/Galeazzi, Clavicle fracture

a) Monteggia and Galeazzi fracture-dislocations (1.0)

Monteggia fracture-dislocation:
  • Fracture of the proximal third of the ulna combined with dislocation of the radial head
  • Bado classification (I–IV) based on direction of radial head dislocation:
    • Type I (most common, ~60%): anterior dislocation of radial head + anterior angulation of ulnar fracture
    • Type II: posterior dislocation of radial head
    • Type III: lateral dislocation
    • Type IV: fracture of both bones + anterior radial head dislocation
  • Key radiological sign: radiocapitellar line (drawn along radial shaft) should pass through center of capitellum — disruption indicates radial head dislocation
  • Risk: posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) injury
Galeazzi fracture-dislocation:
  • Fracture of the distal third of the radius combined with disruption of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)
  • Called "fracture of necessity" — almost always requires operative fixation (ORIF)
  • Risk: ulnar nerve and DRUJ ligament injury
Mnemonic: Monteggia = Middle/proximal ulna + radial head dislocation; Galeazzi = Guns at wrist (distal radius + DRUJ)

b) Outline management of clavicle fracture (1.5)

Anatomy of fracture sites:
  • Middle third: 70–80% (most common)
  • Lateral/distal third: 15–20%
  • Medial third: ~5% (rare)
Assessment:
  • Neurovascular examination: brachial plexus, subclavian vessels
  • Check for pneumothorax (especially with displaced fractures)
  • X-ray: AP clavicle (cephalic tilt views give best visualization); CT for medial fractures
Non-operative treatment (majority):
  • Broad arm sling for 4–6 weeks — for comfort and support
  • Figure-of-eight bandage: NOT recommended (increased complications, risk of brachial plexus palsy)
  • Analgesics (NSAIDs, paracetamol)
  • Physiotherapy after pain settles
  • Most middle-third fractures unite uneventfully
Operative indications:
Indication
AbsoluteOpen fracture, neurovascular compromise, floating shoulder (associated scapular fracture), severe skin tenting
RelativeShortening >2 cm, significant displacement/comminution, non-union, bilateral fractures, high-level athlete
Operative options:
  • ORIF with plate and screws (superior or anteroinferior plating) — most common
  • Intramedullary nailing — alternative, smaller scar

c) Structures that may be injured due to clavicle fracture (1.0)

The clavicle lies directly over several vital structures:
  1. Subclavian artery — laceration by sharp fracture ends → hemorrhage, false aneurysm
  2. Subclavian/axillary vein — venous injury, thrombosis
  3. Brachial plexus (C5–T1 trunks) — traction or direct injury → weakness/sensory loss in arm
  4. Lung apex and pleurapneumothorax or haemothorax (especially displaced proximal fractures)
  5. Trachea and oesophagus — risk with posterior sternoclavicular dislocation or medial fractures
  6. Thoracic duct — rarely (left side only)
  7. Acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints — associated ligamentous injury

Question 6 — 65-year-old lady, hip pain and swelling, unable to walk, 3-day-old fall

a) Two differential diagnoses (0.5)

  1. Fracture of the neck of femur (intracapsular hip fracture)
  2. Intertrochanteric fracture (extracapsular hip fracture)
(Both are common fragility fractures in elderly osteoporotic women after a low-energy fall. Other differentials: greater trochanteric fracture, pubic rami fracture, acetabular fracture.)

b) How will you diagnose? (1.5)

History:
  • Mechanism: low-energy fall (slippery bathroom)
  • Site of pain: groin (intracapsular) vs. lateral hip/greater trochanter (extracapsular)
  • Inability to weight-bear since fall (3 days ago)
  • Pre-injury mobility, functional level, and comorbidities
Clinical Examination:
  • Attitude of leg: shortened and externally rotated (displaced fracture)
  • Groin tenderness (intracapsular) vs. greater trochanteric tenderness (extracapsular)
  • Inability to perform straight leg raise
  • Longitudinal pressure/heel strike tenderness
  • Neurovascular assessment of lower limb
Investigations:
  • X-ray pelvis (AP) + lateral hip — first-line; identifies most fractures
    • Assess fracture location and displacement
    • Garden classification for intracapsular fractures: I (incomplete/valgus impacted), II (complete undisplaced), III (partial displacement), IV (complete displacement)
    • Disruption of trabecular lines indicates subtle fracture
  • MRI hip — most sensitive; investigation of choice for occult fractures (missed on plain X-ray in ~15%)
  • CT — if MRI unavailable; also useful for operative planning
  • Bloods: FBC, U&E, LFTs, clotting, group & screen, blood glucose, ECG, CXR (pre-operative work-up)

c) Treatment (1.5)

General principles:
  • Optimize medical comorbidities urgently
  • Aim for surgery within 48 hours (reduces mortality and complications)
  • DVT prophylaxis (LMWH), pressure area care, analgesia (nerve block useful), catheter if needed
Intracapsular fractures (femoral neck):
Patient/FractureTreatment
Displaced (Garden III/IV) in elderlyHemiarthroplasty (Austin Moore or cemented Thompson prosthesis)
Displaced in independently mobile, cognitively intact elderlyTotal Hip Replacement (THR)
Undisplaced (Garden I/II) in young patient (<60 yrs)Internal fixation — dynamic hip screw (DHS) or multiple cannulated screws
Rationale: Intracapsular fractures disrupt the retinacular blood supply → high risk of avascular necrosis of femoral head (15–35% in displaced fractures) → arthroplasty preferred in elderly.
Extracapsular fractures (intertrochanteric/subtrochanteric):
  • Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) + plate — standard for stable intertrochanteric fractures
  • Cephalomedullary nail (e.g., PFNA) — for unstable or subtrochanteric patterns
  • Blood supply to femoral head not at risk → fixation favored over replacement
Non-operative (only if medically unfit for surgery):
  • Skin traction, bed rest, early mobilization
  • High risk of malunion, non-union, pressure sores — generally a last resort
Post-operative rehabilitation:
  • Early mobilization: weight-bear as tolerated from day 1 (hemiarthroplasty)
  • Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
  • Treat underlying osteoporosis: bisphosphonates, calcium + vitamin D
  • Falls prevention assessment and home modification
  • Thromboprophylaxis for 28–35 days post-surgery

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
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