Paediatric orthopaedics: Graf alpha 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 · Paediatric orthopaedics: Graf alpha angle

Sample item

In Graf's ultrasonography of the infant hip, what does the alpha angle assess?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. The slope of the bony acetabular roof

The alpha angle measures the slope of the bony acetabular roof, and a normal hip has a value of about 60 degrees or more. The beta angle assesses the cartilaginous roof. Low alpha angles indicate a shallow, dysplastic acetabulum.

Option by option

  • A. The slope of the bony acetabular roof (correct)

    Correct. It reflects bony acetabular depth.

  • B. Cartilaginous roof coverage of the head

    Cartilaginous coverage is assessed by the beta angle.

  • C. Size of the femoral head ossific nucleus

    The ossific nucleus appears later and is not measured by the alpha angle.

  • D. Femoral neck-shaft inclination

    Neck-shaft angle is measured on radiographs, not on the Graf ultrasound angles.

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 A, The slope of the bony acetabular roof. The alpha angle measures the slope of the bony acetabular roof, and a normal hip has a value of about 60 degrees or more.

Why is "Cartilaginous roof coverage of the head" not the answer?

Cartilaginous coverage is assessed by the beta angle.

Why is "Size of the femoral head ossific nucleus" not the answer?

The ossific nucleus appears later and is not measured by the alpha angle.

Why is "Femoral neck-shaft inclination" not the answer?

Neck-shaft angle is measured on radiographs, not on the Graf ultrasound angles.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric orthopaedics: Graf alpha angle in Orthopaedics. The beta angle assesses the cartilaginous roof. Low alpha angles indicate a shallow, dysplastic acetabulum.

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 Paediatric orthopaedics: Graf alpha 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.