Bone Basics
What is the name of the outer dense layer of bone?
Cortical (compact) bone
A fracture where the bone breaks but the skin remains intact is called what?
Closed (simple) fracture
What test is used to assess anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) integrity?
Lachman test (or anterior drawer test)
Initial management step for any suspected fracture before imaging?
Immobilization and neurovascular assessment
What is the most common joint dislocation in the body?
Shoulder (glenohumeral joint)
Which cell type is responsible for bone resorption?
Osteoclasts
What classification system is used for long bone fractures (like femoral shaft)?
AO Classification (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen)
What deformity presents with the leg externally rotated and shortened?
Neck of femur fracture
What is the definitive management for an open fracture?
Urgent irrigation, debridement, and IV antibiotics
What knee injury is common in footballers due to twisting on a planted foot?
ACL tear
The blood supply to the femoral head primarily comes from which artery in adults?
Medial circumflex femoral artery
A “dinner fork” deformity is characteristic of which fracture?
Colles’ fracture (distal radius)
What is the name of the sign where squeezing the calf causes ankle pain, indicating Achilles rupture?
Thompson test
When should open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) be preferred over conservative management?
When alignment, stability, or joint congruity cannot be restored closed
Which test assesses for a meniscal tear in the knee?
McMurray’s test
What type of collagen is predominant in bone matrix?
Type I collagen
In pediatric fractures, what is a “greenstick” fracture?
Incomplete fracture with cortical disruption on one side only
What is the “Kanavel’s four cardinal signs” associated with?
Flexor tenosynovitis
Name one absolute indication for amputation after limb injury.
Uncontrollable infection, non-viable limb, or life-threatening sepsis
What is the “terrible triad” of the elbow?
Radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, posterior elbow dislocation
Which ossification process forms the flat bones of the skull?
Intramembranous ossification
What is the key radiographic difference between a Monteggia and Galeazzi fracture?
Monteggia = ulnar fracture + radial head dislocation; Galeazzi = radial fracture + distal radioulnar joint dislocation
What is the “fat pad sign” on an elbow X-ray indicative of?
Occult (hidden) supracondylar or radial head fracture
What is “damage control orthopaedics”?
Staged fracture management for polytrauma — temporary fixation (e.g., external fixator) until patient stabilizes
What is the surgical treatment of choice for recurrent shoulder instability in athletes?
Latarjet procedure