Spine: TLICS: 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 · Spine: TLICS

Sample item

In the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity score (TLICS), which three elements are scored to guide operative or non-operative treatment?

ALevel of injury, mechanism, and time since injuryBInjury morphology, integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and neurological statusCAge, bone density, and body mass indexDPain score, mobility, and bowel function

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Injury morphology, integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and neurological status

TLICS awards points for the morphology of the fracture (compression, burst, translation or rotation, distraction), the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and the neurological status. A low total score favours non-operative care and a high score favours surgery. It aids consistent decisions in thoracolumbar trauma.

Option by option

A. Level of injury, mechanism, and time since injury
Mechanism and timing are not scored.
B. Injury morphology, integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and neurological status (correct)
Correct. Morphology, ligamentous integrity and neurology are the three scored components.
C. Age, bone density, and body mass index
Age, bone density and BMI are not part of TLICS.
D. Pain score, mobility, and bowel function
Pain, mobility and bowel function are not the scored elements.

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 B, Injury morphology, integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and neurological status. TLICS awards points for the morphology of the fracture (compression, burst, translation or rotation, distraction), the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and the neurological status.

Why is "Level of injury, mechanism, and time since injury" not the answer?

Mechanism and timing are not scored.

Why is "Age, bone density, and body mass index" not the answer?

Age, bone density and BMI are not part of TLICS.

Why is "Pain score, mobility, and bowel function" not the answer?

Pain, mobility and bowel function are not the scored elements.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine: TLICS in Orthopaedics. A low total score favours non-operative care and a high score favours surgery. It aids consistent decisions in thoracolumbar trauma.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Spine: TLICS?

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.