Fractures and dislocations: early mobilisation after flexor tendon repair: 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 and dislocations: early mobilisation after flexor tendon repair

Sample item

After a flexor tendon repair in the hand, why do surgeons favour early protected mobilisation rather than complete immobilisation?

AIt limits adhesions and promotes tendon gliding and intrinsic healingBIt prevents rupture of the repair by keeping the tendon under tensionCIt allows removal of the core suture at two weeksDIt speeds up skin healing at the wound

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. It limits adhesions and promotes tendon gliding and intrinsic healing

Tendons heal by both intrinsic cells and ingrowth from the sheath, and prolonged immobilisation promotes dense adhesions to the sheath that limit gliding. Controlled early motion, in a protected splint, reduces adhesions and improves final range without a higher rupture rate when the repair is strong, as with a multi-strand core suture.

Option by option

A. It limits adhesions and promotes tendon gliding and intrinsic healing (correct)
Correct. Controlled early movement reduces adhesions and improves gliding.
B. It prevents rupture of the repair by keeping the tendon under tension
Excess tension can rupture a repair, so the motion is protected and limited.
C. It allows removal of the core suture at two weeks
The suture is permanent and is not removed to allow motion.
D. It speeds up skin healing at the wound
Skin healing is not the purpose, and wound care is unaffected by tendon motion.

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 A, It limits adhesions and promotes tendon gliding and intrinsic healing. Tendons heal by both intrinsic cells and ingrowth from the sheath, and prolonged immobilisation promotes dense adhesions to the sheath that limit gliding.

Why is "It prevents rupture of the repair by keeping the tendon under tension" not the answer?

Excess tension can rupture a repair, so the motion is protected and limited.

Why is "It allows removal of the core suture at two weeks" not the answer?

The suture is permanent and is not removed to allow motion.

Why is "It speeds up skin healing at the wound" not the answer?

Skin healing is not the purpose, and wound care is unaffected by tendon motion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: early mobilisation after flexor tendon repair in Orthopaedics. Controlled early motion, in a protected splint, reduces adhesions and improves final range without a higher rupture rate when the repair is strong, as with a multi-strand core suture.

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 Fractures and dislocations: early mobilisation after flexor tendon repair?

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.