Dislocations: knee dislocation: 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 · Dislocations: knee dislocation

Sample item

A man with a dislocated knee that has been reduced has normal-appearing foot pulses. Which step is most important?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Serial vascular assessment with ankle-brachial index and angiography if abnormal

Knee dislocation carries a high risk of popliteal artery intimal injury, which can present late even with palpable pulses. Serial examination, ABI measurement and CT angiography when abnormal are required, along with checks for common peroneal nerve injury.

Option by option

  • A. Serial vascular assessment with ankle-brachial index and angiography if abnormal (correct)

    Correct. Vascular injury must be actively excluded.

  • B. Observation of ligament injury only

    Ligament injury is common but the limb threat is vascular.

  • C. Immediate MRI before any assessment of pulses

    Pulse assessment is the first priority and cannot wait for MRI.

  • D. Discharge with a knee brace

    Discharge risks a missed arterial injury.

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, Serial vascular assessment with ankle-brachial index and angiography if abnormal. Knee dislocation carries a high risk of popliteal artery intimal injury, which can present late even with palpable pulses.

Why is "Observation of ligament injury only" not the answer?

Ligament injury is common but the limb threat is vascular.

Why is "Immediate MRI before any assessment of pulses" not the answer?

Pulse assessment is the first priority and cannot wait for MRI.

Why is "Discharge with a knee brace" not the answer?

Discharge risks a missed arterial injury.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dislocations: knee dislocation in Orthopaedics. Serial examination, ABI measurement and CT angiography when abnormal are required, along with checks for common peroneal nerve injury.

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 Dislocations: knee dislocation?

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.