OTC Orthopaedic Technologist 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of fracture involves a break that does not penetrate the skin?
- Open fracture
- Closed fracture (Correct answer)
- Comminuted fracture
- Pathologic fracture
Correct answer: Closed fracture
A closed (simple) fracture is one where the bone breaks but the overlying skin remains intact.
Question 2: When applying a long arm cast, the elbow should typically be positioned at what angle of flexion?
- 45 degrees
- 60 degrees
- 90 degrees (Correct answer)
- 120 degrees
Correct answer: 90 degrees
A long arm cast is applied with the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion to maintain functional position and prevent forearm rotation.
Question 3: The Salter-Harris classification system is used to describe fractures involving which anatomical structure?
- Articular cartilage
- Growth plate (physis) (Correct answer)
- Cortical bone
- Periosteum
Correct answer: Growth plate (physis)
The Salter-Harris classification categorizes physeal (growth plate) fractures in skeletally immature patients from Type I through Type V.
Question 4: Which traction type applies a pulling force directly through a pin or wire inserted into bone?
- Skin traction
- Skeletal traction (Correct answer)
- Balanced suspension
- Buck's traction
Correct answer: Skeletal traction
Skeletal traction uses a pin, wire, or tong inserted into bone to apply a direct longitudinal pulling force for fracture reduction or immobilization.
Question 5: A patient presents with a suspected compartment syndrome. Which of the following is the MOST critical early sign?
- Skin discoloration
- Pain out of proportion to the injury (Correct answer)
- Visible deformity
- Crepitus on palpation
Correct answer: Pain out of proportion to the injury
Pain out of proportion to the injury, especially with passive stretch of muscles in the compartment, is the earliest and most reliable clinical sign of compartment syndrome.
Question 6: The radial nerve is at greatest risk of injury with fractures of which part of the humerus?
- Surgical neck
- Greater tuberosity
- Midshaft (spiral fracture) (Correct answer)
- Medial epicondyle
Correct answer: Midshaft (spiral fracture)
The radial nerve courses around the posterior aspect of the humeral midshaft in the radial groove, making it vulnerable in spiral midshaft fractures.
Question 7: Which casting material sets faster and is stronger than traditional plaster, making it the preferred choice for most modern casts?
- Fiberglass (Correct answer)
- Plaster of Paris
- Thermoplastic
- Cotton padding
Correct answer: Fiberglass
Fiberglass casting tape is lighter, stronger, water-resistant, and sets faster than plaster of Paris, making it the preferred modern casting material.
OTC Orthopaedic Technologist 2
Which type of fracture involves a break that does not penetrate the skin?