Can you make MCQS on upper limb in clinical cases

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I now have solid textbook content. Let me compile the 20 clinical case MCQs.

Upper Limb Clinical Case MCQs

20 Questions | MBBS/MD Level | Mixed Topics


Nerve Injuries & Palsies


Q1. A 28-year-old man is brought to the ER after a midshaft humeral fracture following a fall. On examination, he cannot extend his wrist or metacarpophalangeal joints. Sensation is reduced over the dorsum of the hand. Which nerve is injured?
  • A) Musculocutaneous nerve
  • B) Ulnar nerve
  • C) Median nerve
  • D) Radial nerve
  • E) Axillary nerve
Explanation: The radial nerve runs in the spiral (radial) groove of the humerus and is classically injured in midshaft humeral fractures. Its injury produces wrist drop (inability to extend the wrist) and loss of MCP joint extension. Note: IP joint extension is preserved (done by interossei via the extensor expansion, supplied by the ulnar nerve). - S Das Manual of Clinical Surgery, p. 143

Q2. A 35-year-old man presents after a posterior dislocation of the shoulder. On examination, he has wrist drop AND weakness of elbow extension (triceps). At which level is the radial nerve most likely injured?
  • A) Posterior interosseous nerve (forearm)
  • B) Radial groove of humerus
  • C) Axilla (proximal)
  • D) Lateral epicondyle
  • E) Guyon's canal
Explanation: Axillary (proximal) radial nerve injury causes triceps weakness in addition to wrist drop. Injury at the radial groove spares the triceps. - Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, p. 1805

Q3. A 45-year-old construction worker complains of nocturnal tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. He notices weakness gripping small objects. Examination reveals thenar wasting and a positive Phalen's test. What is the most likely diagnosis?
  • A) Cubital tunnel syndrome
  • B) Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • C) C6 radiculopathy
  • D) Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • E) Pronator teres syndrome
Explanation: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common upper extremity nerve compression. It compresses the median nerve at the wrist, producing sensory symptoms in the thumb/index/middle fingers and thenar wasting in advanced cases. Phalen's test (wrist flexion 60 sec) reproduces symptoms. - Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, p. 1971

Q4. A 60-year-old woman with CTS undergoes examination. Tapping over the volar wrist reproduces tingling into the first three fingers. Which sign is this?
  • A) Tinel's sign
  • B) Phalen's sign
  • C) Froment's sign
  • D) Finkelstein's test
  • E) Allen's test
Explanation: Tinel's sign is elicited by tapping over a compressed or regenerating nerve, producing distal tingling (paresthesia) in the nerve's distribution. Over the carpal tunnel it suggests median nerve entrapment. - Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, p. 1971

Q5. A 50-year-old man complains of numbness in the little finger and medial half of the ring finger, and weakness when holding a piece of paper between his fingers. He frequently rests his elbow on a hard desk. What is the most likely nerve and site of compression?
  • A) Median nerve - carpal tunnel
  • B) Ulnar nerve - Guyon's canal
  • C) Ulnar nerve - cubital tunnel (elbow)
  • D) Radial nerve - radial groove
  • E) Median nerve - pronator teres
Explanation: Cubital tunnel syndrome involves ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, producing numbness in the 4th and 5th digits and weakness of intrinsic hand muscles (tested by Froment's sign - inability to hold paper between thumb and index finger without flexing the IP joint). Prolonged elbow flexion and resting on hard surfaces are risk factors. - Goldman-Cecil Medicine; Schwartz's Surgery

Q6. A patient presents with inability to abduct and adduct the fingers, weakness of flexion of the little and ring fingers at the DIP joint, and clawing of the 4th and 5th digits. Which muscle group is most affected?
  • A) Thenar muscles (median nerve)
  • B) Flexor digitorum profundus (radial 2 digits)
  • C) Intrinsic muscles of the hand (ulnar nerve)
  • D) Flexor carpi radialis (median nerve)
  • E) Extensor digitorum communis (radial nerve)
Explanation: The ulnar nerve supplies all interossei (abduct/adduct fingers), the medial two lumbricals, and hypothenar muscles. Loss causes clawing of the ring and little fingers ("ulnar claw") because the lumbricals are paralyzed and long flexors (FDP) are unopposed at the DIP joints.

Q7. A 30-year-old man cannot flex the DIP of his index and middle fingers after a deep laceration at the wrist. The thenar eminence is wasted. He cannot oppose the thumb. Which nerve is injured?
  • A) Ulnar nerve
  • B) Median nerve
  • C) Radial nerve
  • D) Anterior interosseous nerve only
  • E) Musculocutaneous nerve
Explanation: The median nerve at the wrist supplies thenar muscles (opposition, abduction of thumb) via its recurrent motor branch, and the lateral two lumbricals via its palmar digital branches. FDP to index and middle fingers is supplied by the median nerve (via anterior interosseous branch). Wrist-level injury affects all these.

Q8. A motorcyclist is involved in a high-speed collision and sustains a traction injury to the brachial plexus. He presents with abduction of the shoulder being impossible, the elbow cannot be flexed, and the arm hangs in internal rotation. The hand function is normal. Which roots are affected?
  • A) C8, T1
  • B) C5, C6, C7, C8
  • C) C5, C6
  • D) C7, C8, T1
  • E) C6, C7
Explanation: This is Erb's palsy (Erb-Duchenne paralysis) - upper brachial plexus injury (C5, C6). It presents with the classic "waiter's tip" posture: adducted shoulder, extended elbow, pronated forearm. The shoulder abductors (deltoid), elbow flexors (biceps, brachioradialis), and supinators are paralyzed. - Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics

Q9. A newborn delivered by forceps shows the hand hanging limply with no movement. Examination reveals paralysis of all intrinsic hand muscles with a Horner's syndrome on the same side. Which roots are involved?
  • A) C5, C6 upper trunk
  • B) C6, C7, C8
  • C) C8, T1 (lower trunk - Klumpke's palsy)
  • D) C5, C6, C7
  • E) C4, C5
Explanation: Klumpke's palsy is a lower brachial plexus injury (C8, T1). T1 avulsion from the spinal cord damages the sympathetic outflow to the face, causing ipsilateral Horner's syndrome (ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis). Hand intrinsics are paralyzed.

Fractures & Dislocations


Q10. A 65-year-old woman falls on an outstretched hand. X-ray shows a dorsally angulated fracture of the distal radius with shortening. What is the name of this fracture?
  • A) Smith's fracture
  • B) Colles' fracture
  • C) Barton's fracture
  • D) Bennett's fracture
  • E) Galeazzi fracture
Explanation: Colles' fracture is a transverse fracture of the distal radius within 2.5 cm of the wrist, with dorsal displacement and angulation (causing the classic "dinner fork" deformity). It is the most common fracture in people over 50, especially postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Q11. A 25-year-old rugby player falls on a dorsiflexed, radially deviated wrist. He has tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox. Initial X-ray is normal. What is the most important next step?
  • A) Reassure and discharge
  • B) Wrist splint, X-ray at 1 week
  • C) Treat as scaphoid fracture (immobilize/MRI/CT)
  • D) US-guided corticosteroid injection
  • E) EMG/NCS study
Explanation: Anatomical snuffbox tenderness after a fall on an outstretched hand is a scaphoid fracture until proven otherwise. Initial X-rays miss up to 20% of scaphoid fractures. MRI or CT is the gold standard for early diagnosis. The scaphoid's precarious blood supply (enters distally) makes avascular necrosis a risk with delayed diagnosis.

Q12. A 10-year-old boy falls off a trampoline onto his outstretched hand with elbow in extension. X-ray shows a supracondylar fracture. Which artery is most at risk of injury?
  • A) Ulnar artery
  • B) Posterior interosseous artery
  • C) Anterior interosseous / brachial artery
  • D) Radial artery
  • E) Profunda brachii
Explanation: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children (most common elbow fracture in children) are associated with anterior brachial artery and anterior interosseous nerve injury. The neurovascular status (the "3 Ps" - pulse, pallor, paresthesia) must be assessed urgently. Absent radial pulse indicates vascular injury requiring urgent treatment.

Q13. A 40-year-old man dislocates his elbow posteriorly. After reduction, he has inability to make the "OK sign" (cannot form a circle with thumb and index finger). Which nerve is injured?
  • A) Radial nerve
  • B) Ulnar nerve
  • C) Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN)
  • D) Median nerve at wrist
  • E) Musculocutaneous nerve
Explanation: The AIN is a motor-only branch of the median nerve. It supplies FPL, FDP to index/middle, and pronator quadratus. AIN palsy produces inability to flex the thumb and index finger DIP joints - tested by the "OK sign." It is associated with elbow dislocations and Monteggia fractures.

Q14. A 20-year-old man sustains a forearm injury with a fracture of the radial shaft and dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). What is this injury called?
  • A) Monteggia fracture-dislocation
  • B) Galeazzi fracture-dislocation ✓ (correct)
  • C) Essex-Lopresti injury
  • D) Barton's fracture
  • E) Colles' fracture variant
Explanation: Galeazzi fracture = fracture of the radial shaft + dislocation of the DRUJ. Monteggia fracture = fracture of the proximal ulna + dislocation of the radial head. "Monteggia = proximal ulna + radial head dislocation." "Galeazzi = distal radius + DRUJ dislocation."

Q15. A 22-year-old cricketer is struck on the tip of his extended finger. He cannot actively extend the DIP joint but passive extension is possible. No fracture is seen on X-ray. What is the diagnosis?
  • A) Boutonniere deformity
  • B) Mallet finger
  • C) Trigger finger
  • D) Jersey finger
  • E) Swan-neck deformity
Explanation: Mallet finger is caused by rupture of the extensor tendon at its insertion into the distal phalanx (or avulsion fracture), resulting in a flexion deformity of the DIP joint. Treatment is continuous splinting of the DIP in extension for 6-8 weeks.

Vascular Injuries


Q16. After a forearm laceration, a patient develops signs of ischemia in the hand: pallor, pain, pulselessness, and paresthesia. Duplex US shows no flow in the radial artery, but the ulnar artery is intact. The hand remains ischemic. Which test would best explain the inadequate collateral circulation?
  • A) Tinel's test
  • B) Phalen's test
  • C) Allen's test (incomplete palmar arch)
  • D) Adson's test
  • E) Finkelstein's test
Explanation: Allen's test assesses the patency of the palmar arch. If the radial artery is occluded and the hand does not flush with release of the ulnar artery (incomplete palmar arch), radial artery injury can cause hand ischemia. This is why Allen's test is performed before radial arterial line insertion.

Q17. A 55-year-old man presents with pain and cyanosis of the fingertips triggered by cold exposure, which resolves on warming. He is a heavy smoker. What is the most likely diagnosis?
  • A) Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • B) Cubital tunnel syndrome
  • C) Raynaud's phenomenon
  • D) Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans)
  • E) Subclavian steal syndrome
Explanation: Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by episodic vasospasm of digital arteries triggered by cold or stress, causing the classic triphasic color change (white → blue → red). Primary Raynaud's is idiopathic; secondary is associated with connective tissue diseases, smoking, and vibrating tools.

Q18. A construction worker presents with aching, weakness, and pallor of the fingers after years of using vibratory tools (jackhammer). His symptoms worsen in cold weather. Angiography shows segmental occlusions of the digital arteries. What is this condition?
  • A) Raynaud's disease (primary)
  • B) Vibration white finger / occupational Raynaud's
  • C) Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • D) Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • E) de Quervain's tenosynovitis
Explanation: Vibration white finger (hand-arm vibration syndrome, HAVS) results from chronic exposure to hand-arm vibration. It causes digital vasospasm, peripheral neuropathy, and musculoskeletal effects. It is a reportable occupational disease.

Mixed/Applied


Q19. A 48-year-old woman has pain and swelling over the radial styloid for 3 months, worse with pinching movements. On examination, forced ulnar deviation of the wrist with the thumb held inside the fist reproduces severe pain. What is the diagnosis?
  • A) Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • B) de Quervain's tenosynovitis
  • C) Scaphoid fracture
  • D) Osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint
  • E) Trigger thumb
Explanation: de Quervain's tenosynovitis is stenosing tenosynovitis of the 1st extensor compartment (APL and EPB tendons). Finkelstein's test - ulnar deviation of the wrist with the thumb tucked inside a fist - reproduces the pain and is the key diagnostic test.

Q20. A 30-year-old violinist develops progressive difficulty with rapid finger movements in the ring and little fingers. There is no pain or sensory loss. On examination, there is weakness of finger abduction and adduction. Tinel's sign is negative. EMG shows decreased amplitude of the ulnar nerve motor response with normal conduction velocity. What is the most likely site of pathology?
  • A) C8-T1 nerve roots
  • B) Medial cord of brachial plexus
  • C) Ulnar nerve at the wrist (Guyon's canal - deep motor branch)
  • D) Cubital tunnel
  • E) Hypothenar eminence muscle tear
Explanation: Guyon's canal compression of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve presents with pure motor weakness of intrinsic hand muscles (interossei, hypothenar) without sensory loss (the superficial sensory branch exits proximally). Repetitive wrist use (musicians, cyclists) is a risk factor. Cubital tunnel syndrome would also cause sensory symptoms in digits 4-5.

Answer Key Summary

QAnswerTopic
1DRadial nerve - midshaft humeral fracture
2CRadial nerve - axillary level
3DCarpal tunnel syndrome
4ATinel's sign
5CCubital tunnel syndrome
6CUlnar claw hand
7BMedian nerve at wrist
8CErb's palsy (C5, C6)
9CKlumpke's palsy (C8, T1)
10BColles' fracture
11CScaphoid fracture
12CSupracondylar fracture - brachial artery
13CAIN palsy - elbow dislocation
14BGaleazzi fracture-dislocation
15BMallet finger
16CAllen's test - palmar arch
17CRaynaud's phenomenon
18BVibration white finger
19Bde Quervain's tenosynovitis
20CGuyon's canal - deep motor branch

Sources: S Das Manual of Clinical Surgery (13th ed.) | Schwartz's Principles of Surgery (11th ed.) | Goldman-Cecil Medicine | Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics (15th ed. 2026) | Rosen's Emergency Medicine

Make it as a document

Reading File
Running Command

mkdir -p /tmp/workspace/upper-limb-mcqs && ls /tmp/workspace/upper-limb-mcqs/

Writing File

~/upper-limb-mcqs/generate_mcqs.py

from docx import Document
from docx.shared import Pt, Inches, RGBColor
from docx.enum.text import WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH
from docx.oxml.ns import qn
from docx.oxml import OxmlElement
import copy

doc = Document()

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# ── Default body style ─────────────────────────────────────────────
normal = doc.styles["Normal"]
normal.font.name = "Calibri"
normal.font.size = Pt(11)

# ── Helper: add shaded paragraph (for explanations) ───────────────
def add_shaded_para(doc, text, shade_color="E8F4FD"):
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    return p

# ── Helper: horizontal rule ───────────────────────────────────────
def add_hr(doc):
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# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
#  TITLE PAGE BLOCK
# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
title_p = doc.add_heading("Upper Limb", level=0)
title_p.alignment = WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH.CENTER
for run in title_p.runs:
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sub_p = doc.add_paragraph()
sub_p.alignment = WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH.CENTER
sub_run = sub_p.add_run("Clinical Case MCQs")
sub_run.font.size = Pt(16)
sub_run.font.bold = True
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meta_run = meta_p.add_run("20 Questions  |  MBBS/MD Level  |  Nerve Injuries · Fractures · Vascular")
meta_run.font.size = Pt(10)
meta_run.font.color.rgb = RGBColor(0x55, 0x55, 0x55)

doc.add_paragraph()  # spacer
add_hr(doc)
doc.add_paragraph()  # spacer

# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
#  MCQ DATA
# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sections = [
    {
        "title": "Section 1 — Nerve Injuries & Palsies",
        "color": RGBColor(0x1F, 0x39, 0x7D),
        "questions": [
            {
                "n": 1,
                "stem": "A 28-year-old man is brought to the ER after a midshaft humeral fracture following a fall. On examination, he cannot extend his wrist or metacarpophalangeal joints. Sensation is reduced over the dorsum of the hand. Which nerve is injured?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Musculocutaneous nerve"),
                    ("B", "Ulnar nerve"),
                    ("C", "Median nerve"),
                    ("D", "Radial nerve"),
                    ("E", "Axillary nerve"),
                ],
                "answer": "D",
                "explanation": "The radial nerve runs in the spiral (radial) groove of the humerus and is classically injured in midshaft humeral fractures, producing wrist drop and loss of MCP joint extension. Note: IP joint extension is preserved — done by interossei (ulnar nerve) via the extensor expansion. [S Das Manual of Clinical Surgery, p. 143]",
            },
            {
                "n": 2,
                "stem": "A 35-year-old man presents after a posterior dislocation of the shoulder. On examination, he has wrist drop AND weakness of elbow extension (triceps). At which level is the radial nerve most likely injured?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Posterior interosseous nerve (forearm)"),
                    ("B", "Radial groove of humerus"),
                    ("C", "Axilla (proximal)"),
                    ("D", "Lateral epicondyle"),
                    ("E", "Guyon's canal"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "Axillary (proximal) radial nerve injury causes triceps weakness in addition to wrist drop. Injury at the radial groove spares the triceps because the branch to triceps arises proximal to the groove. [Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, p. 1805]",
            },
            {
                "n": 3,
                "stem": "A 45-year-old construction worker complains of nocturnal tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. He notices weakness gripping small objects. Examination reveals thenar wasting and a positive Phalen's test. What is the most likely diagnosis?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Cubital tunnel syndrome"),
                    ("B", "Thoracic outlet syndrome"),
                    ("C", "C6 radiculopathy"),
                    ("D", "Carpal tunnel syndrome"),
                    ("E", "Pronator teres syndrome"),
                ],
                "answer": "D",
                "explanation": "Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common upper extremity nerve compression. It compresses the median nerve at the wrist, producing sensory symptoms in the thumb/index/middle fingers, nocturnal tingling, and thenar wasting in advanced cases. [Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, p. 1971]",
            },
            {
                "n": 4,
                "stem": "A 60-year-old woman with CTS undergoes examination. Tapping over the volar wrist reproduces tingling into the first three fingers. Which sign is this?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Tinel's sign"),
                    ("B", "Phalen's sign"),
                    ("C", "Froment's sign"),
                    ("D", "Finkelstein's test"),
                    ("E", "Allen's test"),
                ],
                "answer": "A",
                "explanation": "Tinel's sign is elicited by tapping over a compressed or regenerating nerve, reproducing distal tingling (paresthesia) in the nerve's distribution. Over the carpal tunnel it suggests median nerve entrapment. [Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, p. 1971]",
            },
            {
                "n": 5,
                "stem": "A 50-year-old man complains of numbness in the little finger and medial half of the ring finger, and weakness when holding a piece of paper between his fingers. He frequently rests his elbow on a hard desk. What is the most likely nerve and site of compression?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Median nerve — carpal tunnel"),
                    ("B", "Ulnar nerve — Guyon's canal"),
                    ("C", "Ulnar nerve — cubital tunnel (elbow)"),
                    ("D", "Radial nerve — radial groove"),
                    ("E", "Median nerve — pronator teres"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "Cubital tunnel syndrome involves ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, producing numbness in the 4th and 5th digits and weakness of intrinsic hand muscles (Froment's sign — paper pinch with IP flexion of thumb). Prolonged elbow flexion and leaning on hard surfaces are risk factors. [Goldman-Cecil Medicine; Schwartz's Surgery]",
            },
            {
                "n": 6,
                "stem": "A patient presents with inability to abduct/adduct the fingers, weakness of DIP flexion in the ring and little fingers, and clawing of the 4th and 5th digits. Which muscle group is most affected?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Thenar muscles (median nerve)"),
                    ("B", "Flexor digitorum profundus — radial 2 digits (median nerve)"),
                    ("C", "Intrinsic hand muscles (ulnar nerve)"),
                    ("D", "Flexor carpi radialis (median nerve)"),
                    ("E", "Extensor digitorum communis (radial nerve)"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "The ulnar nerve supplies all interossei (finger abduction/adduction) and the medial two lumbricals. Loss causes clawing of the ring and little fingers (ulnar claw) because the lumbricals are paralyzed and the long flexors (FDP) are unopposed at the DIP joints.",
            },
            {
                "n": 7,
                "stem": "A 30-year-old man cannot flex the DIP of his index and middle fingers after a deep wrist laceration. The thenar eminence is wasted. He cannot oppose the thumb. Which nerve is injured?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Ulnar nerve"),
                    ("B", "Median nerve"),
                    ("C", "Radial nerve"),
                    ("D", "Anterior interosseous nerve only"),
                    ("E", "Musculocutaneous nerve"),
                ],
                "answer": "B",
                "explanation": "The median nerve at the wrist supplies thenar muscles (via the recurrent motor branch) enabling thumb opposition, and FDP to the index and middle fingers via the anterior interosseous branch. A complete wrist-level median nerve injury affects all these structures.",
            },
            {
                "n": 8,
                "stem": "A motorcyclist sustains a traction brachial plexus injury. He presents with inability to abduct the shoulder, inability to flex the elbow, and an arm hanging in internal rotation. Hand function is normal. Which nerve roots are affected?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "C8, T1"),
                    ("B", "C5, C6, C7, C8"),
                    ("C", "C5, C6"),
                    ("D", "C7, C8, T1"),
                    ("E", "C6, C7"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "This is Erb's palsy (Erb-Duchenne paralysis) — upper brachial plexus injury (C5, C6). It presents with the classic 'waiter's tip' posture: adducted shoulder, extended elbow, pronated forearm. Deltoid, biceps, and brachioradialis are paralyzed. [Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics]",
            },
            {
                "n": 9,
                "stem": "A newborn delivered with difficulty shows a limp hand with no movement. Examination reveals paralysis of all intrinsic hand muscles and ipsilateral Horner's syndrome (ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis). Which nerve roots are involved?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "C5, C6 — upper trunk"),
                    ("B", "C6, C7, C8"),
                    ("C", "C8, T1 — lower trunk"),
                    ("D", "C5, C6, C7"),
                    ("E", "C4, C5"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "Klumpke's palsy is a lower brachial plexus injury (C8, T1). T1 avulsion from the spinal cord disrupts the sympathetic outflow to the face, causing ipsilateral Horner's syndrome. All intrinsic hand muscles are paralyzed. [Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics]",
            },
        ],
    },
    {
        "title": "Section 2 — Fractures & Dislocations",
        "color": RGBColor(0x1D, 0x6A, 0x3E),
        "questions": [
            {
                "n": 10,
                "stem": "A 65-year-old woman falls on an outstretched hand. X-ray shows a dorsally angulated fracture of the distal radius within 2.5 cm of the wrist, with shortening. What is the name of this fracture?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Smith's fracture"),
                    ("B", "Colles' fracture"),
                    ("C", "Barton's fracture"),
                    ("D", "Bennett's fracture"),
                    ("E", "Galeazzi fracture"),
                ],
                "answer": "B",
                "explanation": "Colles' fracture is a transverse fracture of the distal radius with dorsal displacement and angulation, producing the classic 'dinner fork' deformity. It is the most common fracture in people over 50, especially postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.",
            },
            {
                "n": 11,
                "stem": "A 25-year-old rugby player falls on a dorsiflexed, radially deviated wrist. He has exquisite tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox. Initial X-ray is normal. What is the most important next step?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Reassure and discharge"),
                    ("B", "Wrist splint only and X-ray at 1 week"),
                    ("C", "Treat as scaphoid fracture — immobilize and arrange MRI or CT"),
                    ("D", "US-guided corticosteroid injection"),
                    ("E", "EMG/NCS study"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "Anatomical snuffbox tenderness after a fall on an outstretched hand is a scaphoid fracture until proven otherwise. Initial X-rays miss up to 20% of cases. MRI or CT is the gold standard for early diagnosis. The scaphoid's precarious blood supply (enters distally) makes avascular necrosis a real risk with delayed treatment.",
            },
            {
                "n": 12,
                "stem": "A 10-year-old boy falls off a trampoline onto his outstretched hand with elbow in extension. X-ray shows a supracondylar fracture. Which structure is most at risk of injury?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Ulnar artery"),
                    ("B", "Posterior interosseous artery"),
                    ("C", "Brachial artery and anterior interosseous nerve"),
                    ("D", "Radial artery"),
                    ("E", "Profunda brachii"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common elbow fractures in children. The brachial artery and anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) are at risk anteriorly. Neurovascular assessment (pulse, capillary refill, AIN function — 'OK sign') is mandatory and urgent.",
            },
            {
                "n": 13,
                "stem": "A 40-year-old man dislocates his elbow posteriorly. After reduction, he cannot form the 'OK sign' — unable to flex the DIP of his index finger or the IP of his thumb. No sensory loss. Which nerve is injured?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Radial nerve"),
                    ("B", "Ulnar nerve"),
                    ("C", "Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN)"),
                    ("D", "Median nerve at wrist"),
                    ("E", "Musculocutaneous nerve"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "The AIN is a pure motor branch of the median nerve supplying FPL, FDP to index/middle, and pronator quadratus. AIN palsy causes inability to flex the thumb IP and index DIP joints — tested by the 'OK sign.' No sensory loss because AIN carries no cutaneous fibres. Associated with elbow dislocation and Monteggia fractures.",
            },
            {
                "n": 14,
                "stem": "A 20-year-old man sustains a radial shaft fracture with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). What is this fracture-dislocation called?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Monteggia fracture-dislocation"),
                    ("B", "Galeazzi fracture-dislocation"),
                    ("C", "Essex-Lopresti injury"),
                    ("D", "Barton's fracture"),
                    ("E", "Colles' variant"),
                ],
                "answer": "B",
                "explanation": "Galeazzi = radial shaft fracture + DRUJ dislocation. Monteggia = proximal ulna fracture + radial head dislocation. A useful mnemonic: 'GRMU — Galeazzi Radius, Monteggia Ulna.'",
            },
            {
                "n": 15,
                "stem": "A 22-year-old cricketer is struck on the tip of his extended finger. He cannot actively extend the DIP joint; passive extension is possible. X-ray shows no fracture. What is the diagnosis?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Boutonniere deformity"),
                    ("B", "Mallet finger"),
                    ("C", "Trigger finger"),
                    ("D", "Jersey finger"),
                    ("E", "Swan-neck deformity"),
                ],
                "answer": "B",
                "explanation": "Mallet finger results from rupture of the extensor tendon at its insertion into the distal phalanx (or a bony avulsion), leaving the DIP in a flexion drop. Treatment is continuous splinting of the DIP in full extension for 6-8 weeks without interruption.",
            },
        ],
    },
    {
        "title": "Section 3 — Vascular & Applied",
        "color": RGBColor(0x7B, 0x1F, 0x1F),
        "questions": [
            {
                "n": 16,
                "stem": "After a forearm laceration, a patient develops hand ischemia: pallor, pain, and pulselessness. Duplex US confirms radial artery occlusion; the ulnar artery is patent. The hand remains ischemic. Which pre-procedure test would have predicted this risk?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Tinel's test"),
                    ("B", "Phalen's test"),
                    ("C", "Allen's test"),
                    ("D", "Adson's test"),
                    ("E", "Finkelstein's test"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "Allen's test assesses the patency of the palmar arch. If flushing does not occur on ulnar release, the arch is incomplete and radial artery occlusion can cause hand ischemia. This is why Allen's test is performed before arterial line insertion.",
            },
            {
                "n": 17,
                "stem": "A 55-year-old heavy smoker presents with episodic cyanosis and pallor of fingertips triggered by cold exposure, resolving on warming. The sequence of color change is white → blue → red. What is the most likely diagnosis?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Thoracic outlet syndrome"),
                    ("B", "Cubital tunnel syndrome"),
                    ("C", "Raynaud's phenomenon"),
                    ("D", "Buerger's disease"),
                    ("E", "Subclavian steal syndrome"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "Raynaud's phenomenon is episodic digital arterial vasospasm triggered by cold or stress, causing the classic triphasic color change. Secondary Raynaud's is associated with connective tissue diseases, smoking, and vibratory tool use.",
            },
            {
                "n": 18,
                "stem": "A construction worker presents with years of aching, fingertip pallor, and numbness after using a jackhammer. Symptoms worsen in cold weather. Angiography shows segmental occlusions of digital arteries. What is this occupational condition?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Raynaud's disease (primary)"),
                    ("B", "Vibration white finger (hand-arm vibration syndrome)"),
                    ("C", "Thoracic outlet syndrome"),
                    ("D", "Carpal tunnel syndrome"),
                    ("E", "de Quervain's tenosynovitis"),
                ],
                "answer": "B",
                "explanation": "Vibration white finger (HAVS — hand-arm vibration syndrome) results from chronic vibrating tool use. It causes digital vasospasm, peripheral neuropathy, and musculoskeletal effects. It is a recognized reportable occupational disease.",
            },
            {
                "n": 19,
                "stem": "A 48-year-old woman has 3 months of pain over the radial styloid, worse with pinching. Forced ulnar deviation of the wrist with the thumb held inside the fist reproduces severe pain. What is the diagnosis?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "Carpal tunnel syndrome"),
                    ("B", "de Quervain's tenosynovitis"),
                    ("C", "Scaphoid fracture"),
                    ("D", "CMC joint osteoarthritis"),
                    ("E", "Trigger thumb"),
                ],
                "answer": "B",
                "explanation": "de Quervain's tenosynovitis is stenosing tenosynovitis of the 1st extensor compartment (APL and EPB tendons). Finkelstein's test — ulnar deviation of the wrist with the thumb tucked into the fist — reproduces the pain and is the key diagnostic test.",
            },
            {
                "n": 20,
                "stem": "A 30-year-old violinist develops progressive weakness of finger abduction and adduction in the ring and little fingers. No pain or sensory loss. EMG shows decreased motor amplitude of the ulnar nerve with normal conduction velocity. Where is the most likely site of pathology?",
                "options": [
                    ("A", "C8-T1 nerve roots"),
                    ("B", "Medial cord of brachial plexus"),
                    ("C", "Ulnar nerve at Guyon's canal — deep motor branch"),
                    ("D", "Cubital tunnel"),
                    ("E", "Hypothenar muscle tear"),
                ],
                "answer": "C",
                "explanation": "Compression of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve at Guyon's canal presents as pure motor weakness of intrinsic hand muscles without sensory loss (the superficial sensory branch exits proximally). Cubital tunnel syndrome would also produce sensory symptoms in digits 4-5. Repetitive wrist use (musicians, cyclists) is a risk factor.",
            },
        ],
    },
]

# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
#  RENDER QUESTIONS
# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
CORRECT_COLOR  = RGBColor(0x1D, 0x6A, 0x3E)  # green
OPTION_COLOR   = RGBColor(0x22, 0x22, 0x22)

for sec in sections:
    # Section heading
    sh = doc.add_heading(sec["title"], level=1)
    for run in sh.runs:
        run.font.color.rgb = sec["color"]
    sh.paragraph_format.space_before = Pt(14)
    sh.paragraph_format.space_after  = Pt(4)

    for q in sec["questions"]:
        # Question number + stem
        qp = doc.add_paragraph()
        qp.paragraph_format.space_before = Pt(10)
        qp.paragraph_format.space_after  = Pt(4)
        num_run = qp.add_run(f"Q{q['n']}. ")
        num_run.bold = True
        num_run.font.size = Pt(11.5)
        num_run.font.color.rgb = RGBColor(0x1F, 0x39, 0x7D)
        stem_run = qp.add_run(q["stem"])
        stem_run.font.size = Pt(11)

        # Options
        for letter, text in q["options"]:
            op = doc.add_paragraph()
            op.paragraph_format.left_indent  = Inches(0.3)
            op.paragraph_format.space_before = Pt(1)
            op.paragraph_format.space_after  = Pt(1)
            is_correct = (letter == q["answer"])
            opt_run = op.add_run(f"  {letter}.  {text}")
            opt_run.font.size = Pt(11)
            if is_correct:
                opt_run.bold = True
                opt_run.font.color.rgb = CORRECT_COLOR
                tick = op.add_run("  ✓")
                tick.bold = True
                tick.font.color.rgb = CORRECT_COLOR
            else:
                opt_run.font.color.rgb = OPTION_COLOR

        # Explanation
        add_shaded_para(doc, q["explanation"])

        add_hr(doc)

# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
#  ANSWER KEY TABLE
# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
doc.add_paragraph()
ak = doc.add_heading("Answer Key", level=1)
for run in ak.runs:
    run.font.color.rgb = RGBColor(0x1F, 0x39, 0x7D)

key_data = [
    ("Q", "Answer", "Topic"),
    ("1",  "D", "Radial nerve — midshaft humeral fracture"),
    ("2",  "C", "Radial nerve — axillary level"),
    ("3",  "D", "Carpal tunnel syndrome"),
    ("4",  "A", "Tinel's sign"),
    ("5",  "C", "Cubital tunnel syndrome"),
    ("6",  "C", "Ulnar claw hand — intrinsic muscle paralysis"),
    ("7",  "B", "Median nerve at wrist"),
    ("8",  "C", "Erb's palsy (C5, C6)"),
    ("9",  "C", "Klumpke's palsy (C8, T1)"),
    ("10", "B", "Colles' fracture"),
    ("11", "C", "Scaphoid fracture — anatomical snuffbox tenderness"),
    ("12", "C", "Supracondylar fracture — brachial artery & AIN at risk"),
    ("13", "C", "AIN palsy after elbow dislocation"),
    ("14", "B", "Galeazzi fracture-dislocation"),
    ("15", "B", "Mallet finger"),
    ("16", "C", "Allen's test — incomplete palmar arch"),
    ("17", "C", "Raynaud's phenomenon"),
    ("18", "B", "Vibration white finger (HAVS)"),
    ("19", "B", "de Quervain's tenosynovitis — Finkelstein's test"),
    ("20", "C", "Ulnar nerve — Guyon's canal (deep motor branch)"),
]

table = doc.add_table(rows=len(key_data), cols=3)
table.style = "Table Grid"
col_widths = [Inches(0.5), Inches(0.7), Inches(4.5)]

for i, row_data in enumerate(key_data):
    row = table.rows[i]
    for j, cell_text in enumerate(row_data):
        cell = row.cells[j]
        cell.width = col_widths[j]
        p = cell.paragraphs[0]
        run = p.add_run(cell_text)
        run.font.size = Pt(10)
        if i == 0:
            run.bold = True
            run.font.color.rgb = RGBColor(0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF)
            # Header shading
            tc   = cell._tc
            tcPr = tc.get_or_add_tcPr()
            shd  = OxmlElement("w:shd")
            shd.set(qn("w:val"),   "clear")
            shd.set(qn("w:color"), "auto")
            shd.set(qn("w:fill"),  "1F397D")
            tcPr.append(shd)
        elif i % 2 == 0:
            tc   = cell._tc
            tcPr = tc.get_or_add_tcPr()
            shd  = OxmlElement("w:shd")
            shd.set(qn("w:val"),   "clear")
            shd.set(qn("w:color"), "auto")
            shd.set(qn("w:fill"),  "EDF2FB")
            tcPr.append(shd)

# ── Footer note ───────────────────────────────────────────────────
doc.add_paragraph()
fn = doc.add_paragraph()
fn.alignment = WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH.CENTER
fn_run = fn.add_run(
    "Sources: S Das Manual of Clinical Surgery (13th ed.)  |  Schwartz's Principles of Surgery (11th ed.)  |  "
    "Goldman-Cecil Medicine  |  Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics (15th ed., 2026)  |  Rosen's Emergency Medicine"
)
fn_run.font.size = Pt(8)
fn_run.font.color.rgb = RGBColor(0x77, 0x77, 0x77)
fn_run.italic = True

# ── Save ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
out_path = "/tmp/workspace/upper-limb-mcqs/Upper_Limb_Clinical_MCQs.docx"
doc.save(out_path)
print(f"Saved: {out_path}")
Running Command

python3 /tmp/workspace/upper-limb-mcqs/generate_mcqs.py

Your Word document is ready - download it here:

Upper Limb Clinical MCQs

Word Document · DOCX

What's inside the document:
  • 3 color-coded sections - Nerve Injuries & Palsies, Fractures & Dislocations, Vascular & Applied
  • 20 clinical case MCQs with 5 options each
  • Correct answers highlighted in green with a ✓ tick
  • Each question has a shaded blue explanation box with textbook references
  • Answer key table at the end (color-banded rows, dark header)
  • Source citations footer (S Das, Schwartz's Surgery, Goldman-Cecil, Campbell's Orthopaedics, Rosen's EM)
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