Dislocations: anterior hip dislocation: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Dislocations: anterior hip dislocation

Sample item

After a fall from a height with the hip forced into abduction and external rotation, the limb is held flexed, abducted and externally rotated, and the femoral head is palpable in the groin. What is the diagnosis?

AIntertrochanteric fractureBPosterior dislocation of the hipCObturator type anterior dislocation of the hipDCentral fracture dislocation

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Obturator type anterior dislocation of the hip

An anterior hip dislocation, most often of the obturator type, leaves the limb flexed, abducted and externally rotated. The head may be felt in the groin. In posterior dislocation the limb is flexed, adducted and internally rotated.

Option by option

A. Intertrochanteric fracture
An intertrochanteric fracture gives a shortened, externally rotated limb without a palpable head in the groin.
B. Posterior dislocation of the hip
Posterior dislocation gives a shortened, adducted and internally rotated limb.
C. Obturator type anterior dislocation of the hip (correct)
Correct. Flexion, abduction and external rotation with a groin lump is anterior dislocation.
D. Central fracture dislocation
Central fracture dislocation is an acetabular fracture with limited rotation changes.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Obturator type anterior dislocation of the hip. An anterior hip dislocation, most often of the obturator type, leaves the limb flexed, abducted and externally rotated.

Why is "Intertrochanteric fracture" not the answer?

An intertrochanteric fracture gives a shortened, externally rotated limb without a palpable head in the groin.

Why is "Posterior dislocation of the hip" not the answer?

Posterior dislocation gives a shortened, adducted and internally rotated limb.

Why is "Central fracture dislocation" not the answer?

Central fracture dislocation is an acetabular fracture with limited rotation changes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dislocations: anterior hip dislocation in Orthopaedics. The head may be felt in the groin. In posterior dislocation the limb is flexed, adducted and internally rotated.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Dislocations: anterior hip dislocation?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.