OCC OCC Fracture Types & Casting Indications 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Colles fracture is a distal radius fracture with which characteristic displacement?
- Dorsal displacement and angulation of the distal fragment (dinner fork deformity) (Correct answer)
- Volar displacement of the distal fragment
- Impaction without angulation
- Transverse fracture with lateral displacement
Correct answer: Dorsal displacement and angulation of the distal fragment (dinner fork deformity)
The classic Colles fracture produces dorsal tilt of the distal fragment, creating the dinner fork silhouette on lateral X-ray.
Question 2: Which cast is the standard immobilization for an uncomplicated Colles fracture after reduction?
- Short arm cast in slight flexion and ulnar deviation (Correct answer)
- Long arm cast in full supination
- Short arm cast in full extension
- Thumb spica cast
Correct answer: Short arm cast in slight flexion and ulnar deviation
A short arm cast with the wrist in slight flexion and ulnar deviation counteracts the deforming forces of a Colles fracture.
Question 3: A scaphoid fracture is typically immobilized in which cast?
- Thumb spica cast (Correct answer)
- Short arm cast
- Long arm cast
- Ulnar gutter splint
Correct answer: Thumb spica cast
Thumb spica immobilization includes the thumb and wrist to protect the scaphoid's tenuous blood supply and prevent non-union.
Question 4: Which fracture pattern describes a bone that bends but does not completely break, seen primarily in children?
- Greenstick fracture (Correct answer)
- Comminuted fracture
- Spiral fracture
- Stress fracture
Correct answer: Greenstick fracture
Greenstick fractures occur in pediatric patients whose immature, flexible bone bends and fractures on one cortex while the other remains intact.
Question 5: A boxer's fracture involves which bone?
- Neck of the fifth metacarpal (Correct answer)
- Distal radius
- First metacarpal base
- Fifth metatarsal
Correct answer: Neck of the fifth metacarpal
A boxer's fracture is a fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal, typically from striking with a closed fist.
Question 6: An ankle fracture involving only the lateral malleolus without ligamentous instability is MOST commonly treated with:
- Short leg cast or walking boot for 4-6 weeks (Correct answer)
- Long leg cast in full extension
- Thumb spica cast
- Cylinder cast
Correct answer: Short leg cast or walking boot for 4-6 weeks
Stable isolated lateral malleolus fractures are managed conservatively with a short leg cast or functional brace allowing controlled weight-bearing.
OCC OCC Fracture Types & Casting Indications 1
A Colles fracture is a distal radius fracture with which characteristic displacement?