Fractures: snowboarder's fracture: 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 · Fractures: snowboarder's fracture

Sample item

A snowboarder lands from a jump with persistent lateral ankle pain, and the ankle is diagnosed as a sprain. Radiographs are normal and pain persists for weeks. Which fracture is commonly missed in this scenario?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Fracture of the lateral process of the talus

A snowboarder's fracture involves the lateral process of the talus, caused by dorsiflexion and inversion with axial load, and is often diagnosed as a lateral ankle sprain. Plain films may miss it, and CT is more sensitive. Missed fractures cause chronic pain and subtalar arthritis.

Option by option

  • A. Fracture of the medial malleolus

    A medial malleolus fracture is usually seen on films.

  • B. Fracture of the patella

    A patellar fracture is unrelated to ankle pain.

  • C. Fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal only

    A fifth metatarsal base fracture is another injury with different tenderness.

  • D. Fracture of the lateral process of the talus (correct)

    Correct. The lateral process of the talus is classically missed.

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.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Fracture of the lateral process of the talus. A snowboarder's fracture involves the lateral process of the talus, caused by dorsiflexion and inversion with axial load, and is often diagnosed as a lateral ankle sprain.

Why is "Fracture of the medial malleolus" not the answer?

A medial malleolus fracture is usually seen on films.

Why is "Fracture of the patella" not the answer?

A patellar fracture is unrelated to ankle pain.

Why is "Fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal only" not the answer?

A fifth metatarsal base fracture is another injury with different tenderness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: snowboarder's fracture in Orthopaedics. Plain films may miss it, and CT is more sensitive. Missed fractures cause chronic pain and subtalar arthritis.

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 Fractures: snowboarder's fracture?

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.