Fractures and dislocations: Baumann angle: 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: Baumann angle

Sample item

After closed reduction of a displaced supracondylar fracture in a child, the surgeon measures the angle between the long axis of the humerus and a line along the capitellar physis on the AP view. What is the purpose of this measurement?

ATo test the stability of the radial headBTo measure growth remaining in the distal humerusCTo check coronal alignment and avoid a cubitus varus deformityDTo grade the severity of the effusion

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. To check coronal alignment and avoid a cubitus varus deformity

The Baumann (humerocapitellar) angle is measured on the AP radiograph and reflects coronal-plane alignment of the distal fragment. A reduction that leaves the angle abnormal indicates a residual coronal tilt, and a varus tilt, which predicts a gunstock deformity.

Option by option

A. To test the stability of the radial head
Radial head alignment is judged by the radiocapitellar line.
B. To measure growth remaining in the distal humerus
Skeletal age and remaining growth are estimated from other methods and not from this angle.
C. To check coronal alignment and avoid a cubitus varus deformity (correct)
Correct. The angle shows whether the distal fragment has been left in varus tilt.
D. To grade the severity of the effusion
Effusion is judged from the fat pad signs on the lateral view and not from an angle.

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, To check coronal alignment and avoid a cubitus varus deformity. The Baumann (humerocapitellar) angle is measured on the AP radiograph and reflects coronal-plane alignment of the distal fragment.

Why is "To test the stability of the radial head" not the answer?

Radial head alignment is judged by the radiocapitellar line.

Why is "To measure growth remaining in the distal humerus" not the answer?

Skeletal age and remaining growth are estimated from other methods and not from this angle.

Why is "To grade the severity of the effusion" not the answer?

Effusion is judged from the fat pad signs on the lateral view and not from an angle.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: Baumann angle in Orthopaedics. A reduction that leaves the angle abnormal indicates a residual coronal tilt, and a varus tilt, which predicts a gunstock deformity.

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: Baumann angle?

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.