Orthopedic Pediatric Review | Dr Hutaif Pediatric Ortho -...
Comprehensive 100-Question Exam
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Question 1
A 6-week-old female infant is undergoing screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). An ultrasound of the hip is provided:
In the Graf classification system, the alpha angle is measured to assess the bony roof. Which anatomic structure determines the primary baseline used to establish this angle?

Explanation
Question 2
A 12-year-old obese boy presents with left hip pain and an obligatory external rotation with hip flexion. The radiograph is shown:
He undergoes in situ pinning for a Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Which of the following is the most reliable predictor for a future contralateral slip?

Explanation
Question 3
An 8-year-old boy presents with a painless limp of 6 months duration. Radiographs are provided:
According to the Herring classification for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which specific anatomic region is evaluated to determine the prognosis?

Explanation
Question 4
A 3-year-old girl presents with progressive bowing of her left leg. The standing radiograph is shown:
Which of the following radiographic parameters best differentiates infantile Blount disease from physiologic bowing?

Explanation
Question 5
A 6-year-old child sustains the elbow injury shown in the radiograph:
Following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, the hand is pink, well-perfused, and warm with capillary refill < 2 seconds, but the radial pulse remains non-palpable. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Explanation
Question 6
A 2-week-old infant is diagnosed with the condition shown:
The Ponseti method is initiated. What is the correct initial manipulative step to correct the cavus deformity prior to cast application?

Explanation
Question 7
When evaluating a non-ambulatory 14-year-old patient with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy who has developed a progressive spinal deformity, what is the most common scoliotic curve pattern observed?
Explanation
Question 8
A 10-year-old boy with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy develops a new-onset "crouch gait" one year after undergoing multi-level orthopedic lower extremity surgery. What is the most likely iatrogenic cause of this gait abnormality?
Explanation
Question 9
Intravenous bisphosphonates are a mainstay of medical management for children with moderate to severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). What is the primary molecular target of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates?
Explanation
Question 10
A 14-year-old boy presents with frequent ankle sprains and a rigid, painful flatfoot. Radiographs show a "C-sign" on the lateral ankle view. Which type of tarsal coalition is most likely, and at what age does it typically ossify and become symptomatic?
Explanation
Question 11
A 13-year-old girl presents after an external rotation injury to her ankle. She is diagnosed with a juvenile Tillaux fracture. Which ligament is responsible for the avulsion of the anterolateral distal tibial epiphysis?
Explanation
Question 12
A newborn presents with bilateral absent radii and absent thumbs (radial clubhands). Before considering any surgical intervention, which of the following is an absolute mandatory hematologic screening test?
Explanation
Question 13
A 3-year-old child sustains a closed, isolated midshaft femur fracture with 1.5 cm of shortening. What is the most appropriate definitive management?
Explanation
Question 14
In the original Kocher criteria for differentiating pediatric septic arthritis from transient synovitis of the hip, which of the following laboratory/clinical parameters was NOT one of the four factors used?
Explanation
Question 15
In a child with developmental coxa vara, which of the following radiographic parameters is the strongest indication for a valgus proximal femoral osteotomy?
Explanation
Question 16
A 10-year-old girl sustained a distal femoral physeal fracture 2 years ago and now presents with a progressive valgus deformity. MRI demonstrates a focal central physeal bridge. What is the generally accepted upper limit of physeal cross-sectional area involvement that remains amenable to bridge resection and interposition grafting?
Explanation
Question 17
The Wrisberg variant of the discoid lateral meniscus typically presents with a "snapping knee" in young children. This specific variant is anatomically defined by the congenital absence of which of the following structures?
Explanation
Question 18
Madelung deformity results from a localized growth disturbance of the volar-ulnar aspect of the distal radius physis. This condition is characterized by a tethering anomalous ligament known as:
Explanation
Question 19
According to the Wiltse classification of pediatric spondylolisthesis, which type has the highest intrinsic risk of progression and often requires in situ fusion even for relatively low-grade slips?
Explanation
Question 20
A 9-year-old boy sustains a pathologic fracture through a centrally located, completely radiolucent lesion in the proximal humeral metaphysis. A "fallen leaf" sign is noted. What is the most appropriate INITIAL management after the fracture has been allowed to heal?
Explanation
Question 21
A 3-year-old child presents with bilateral bowing of the legs, worse on the left. Radiographs reveal depression of the medial tibial plateau with beaking of the medial metaphysis.
What is the primary pathological process driving this infantile deformity?

Explanation
Question 22
Which of the following is true regarding the most common tarsal coalitions?

Explanation
Question 23
A 6-year-old child falls from monkey bars and sustains a displaced supracondylar humerus fracture.
Upon presentation, the hand is pink but pulseless. After closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, the hand remains pink and well-perfused (capillary refill < 2 seconds), but the radial pulse remains absent. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Explanation
Question 24
A 14-year-old adolescent sustains an ankle injury while playing soccer. Imaging demonstrates a Salter-Harris III fracture of the anterolateral distal tibia.
What is the primary deforming force and typical pattern of physeal closure in the distal tibia that predisposes to this specific fracture pattern?

Explanation
Question 25
A 5-year-old sustains an injury to the elbow. Radiographs reveal a displaced lateral condyle fracture.
Which of the following is a classic long-term complication associated with an untreated nonunion of this fracture type?

Explanation
Question 26
A 13-year-old boy with a BMI of 32 presents with acute-on-chronic groin pain. He is unable to bear weight. Radiographs show a displaced Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE).
Based on the Loder classification, what is the primary clinical significance of his inability to bear weight?

Explanation
Question 27
You are evaluating a 6-year-old girl with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level V). Her recent AP pelvis radiograph demonstrates a Reimer's migration percentage of 55% in the right hip. She is currently asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate recommendation?
Explanation
Question 28
A 4-year-old boy with a known diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type I presents to the clinic. He has a history of multiple low-energy fractures. Which of the following describes the most likely genetic defect and its phenotypic expression in this patient?
Explanation
Question 29
An infant with bilateral idiopathic clubfeet is undergoing Ponseti casting. After three casts, the treating physician notices the foot has become severely plantarflexed, the midfoot is deeply creased with a transverse plantar crease, and the heel is slipping out of the cast. What is the most appropriate modification to the standard Ponseti technique for this 'atypical' clubfoot?
Explanation
Question 30
A 5-year-old girl is noted to have a highly elevated, hypoplastic left scapula. Physical examination reveals limited shoulder abduction. Radiographs demonstrate an osseous connection between the superomedial angle of the scapula and the cervical spine. Which of the following is most strongly associated with this condition?
Explanation
Question 31
A newborn is evaluated for an absent right thumb and a radially deviated right wrist. Radiographs confirm complete absence of the radius. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most critical to perform next to rule out a potentially fatal associated condition?
Explanation
Question 32
A 6-week-old female with a completely dislocated left hip (Graf Type IV) is placed in a Pavlik harness. After 4 weeks of compliant, full-time wear, ultrasound demonstrates the hip remains persistently dislocated. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
Explanation
Question 33
A 2-year-old child presents with significant leg length discrepancy, anteromedial bowing of the right tibia, and an equinovalgus foot. Radiographs reveal partial absence of the right fibula. Which of the following anomalies is most commonly associated with this condition?
Explanation
Question 34
A 6-year-old child with short trunk dwarfism, corneal clouding, and normal intelligence is diagnosed with Morquio syndrome (MPS IV). Which orthopedic manifestation requires the most urgent screening and potential surgical intervention in this condition?
Explanation
Question 35
A 2-year-old child presents with a limp, fever of 38.5°C, and refusal to bear weight on the left leg. Aspiration of the hip yields purulent fluid. Which of the following organisms is the most common cause of joint infections in this specific age group and often requires specialized culture techniques (e.g., BACTEC blood culture bottles) for detection?
Explanation
Question 36
A 10-month-old infant is diagnosed with an isolated 25-degree left thoracic curve. A spine radiograph is obtained to evaluate the rib-vertebra angle difference (RVAD) of Mehta. Which of the following statements regarding the RVAD is correct?
Explanation
Question 37
An 18-month-old boy presents with anterolateral bowing of the tibia and a recent fracture through the apex of the bow that shows no signs of healing. He has multiple café-au-lait spots. What is the most definitive surgical strategy to achieve union in this condition?
Explanation
Question 38
A 4-year-old patient with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type II is receiving Nusinersen (Spinraza) therapy via repeated intrathecal injections. The patient has developed a progressive 65-degree neuromuscular scoliosis. What specific surgical consideration must be planned regarding their future spine deformity correction?
Explanation
Question 39
An 8-year-old boy is diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Radiographs obtained during the fragmentation phase reveal that the lateral pillar of the femoral head maintains 60% of its original height. According to the Herring Lateral Pillar Classification, what group is this, and what is the typical recommendation for a child of this age?
Explanation
Question 40
A 3-year-old girl presents with massive, disproportionate overgrowth of her index and middle fingers on the right hand. The fingers are stiff and deviated. Intraoperative findings reveal massive enlargement of the digital nerves with fibrofatty infiltration. A somatic mutation in which of the following genes is most strongly associated with this isolated condition?
Explanation
Question 41
A 5-year-old boy sustains a fall on an outstretched hand and presents with a completely displaced, extension-type supracondylar humerus fracture with no cortical contact (Gartland Type III).
Which of the following peripheral nerve injuries is most commonly associated with this specific fracture pattern?

Explanation
Question 42
An infant is diagnosed with idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) and is undergoing the Ponseti method of serial casting.
According to the Ponseti method, what is the correct sequence of deformity correction?

Explanation
Question 43
A 3-year-old girl is evaluated for bilateral severe genu varum. Standing radiographs demonstrate medial beaking of the proximal tibial epiphyses.
Measurement of the metaphyseal-diaphyseal (MD) angle is obtained. Which of the following MD angle measurements most strongly supports the diagnosis of infantile Blount's disease rather than physiologic bowing?

Explanation
Question 44
A 13-year-old boy presents with a painful, rigid flatfoot and a history of recurrent ankle sprains. Lateral weight-bearing radiographs reveal an elongated anterior process of the calcaneus forming an "anteater nose" sign.
Which specific tarsal coalition is most consistent with these radiographic findings?

Explanation
Question 45
An 18-month-old non-ambulatory child is brought to the emergency department with a spiral fracture of the left femur.
The parents state the child fell off a low sofa. What is the most critical next step in the management of this patient?

Explanation
Question 46
A 4-year-old boy presents with a history of multiple recurrent long bone fractures, blue sclerae, and early hearing loss. Radiographs show osteopenia and multiple healed fractures in various stages of healing.
This condition is primarily caused by a genetic mutation affecting the synthesis of which type of collagen?

Explanation
Question 47
A 9-year-old girl with cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level IV) has an AP pelvic radiograph demonstrating a Reimers migration percentage of 55% in the right hip. There are early osteoarthritic changes. What is the most appropriate definitive management?
Explanation
Question 48
A 13-year-old male is diagnosed with a unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Prophylactic in situ pinning of the contralateral hip is being considered. Which of the following is the strongest clinical indication for prophylactic contralateral pinning?
Explanation
Question 49
A 5-year-old boy presents with acute right hip pain, inability to bear weight, a temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F), a WBC count of 14,000/mm³, and an ESR of 55 mm/hr. According to the Kocher criteria, what is the most appropriate next step in management?
Explanation
Question 50
A 3-month-old female infant is being treated with a Pavlik harness for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). During follow-up, the mother notes the child is no longer actively kicking or extending the affected knee. Sensation appears intact. Which nerve is most likely compressed due to improper harness positioning?
Explanation
Question 51
An 8-year-old boy is diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Radiographs reveal more than 50% loss of lateral pillar height. Which of the following factors at the time of presentation is the most reliable predictor of long-term prognosis?
Explanation
Question 52
A 14-year-old gymnast presents with severe lower back pain and radicular pain in the L5 distribution. Radiographs demonstrate a Grade III L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis. The surgeon is planning reduction and fusion. Which nerve root is at highest risk of injury during the surgical reduction of this high-grade slip?
Explanation
Question 53
A 14-year-old boy twisted his ankle while skateboarding. Anteroposterior radiographs show a Salter-Harris type III fracture of the anterolateral aspect of the distal tibial epiphysis. Avulsion by which of the following ligaments causes this specific fracture pattern?
Explanation
Question 54
An adolescent sustains a triplane fracture of the distal tibia following an external rotation injury. Radiographically, the fracture appears as a Salter-Harris Type III on the AP view and a Salter-Harris Type II on the lateral view. What is the overall Salter-Harris classification of a standard triplane fracture?
Explanation
Question 55
A 12-year-old elite baseball pitcher presents with progressive medial elbow pain, exacerbated during the late cocking phase of throwing. Radiographs demonstrate widening and irregularity of the medial epicondyle apophysis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Explanation
Question 56
A 6-year-old girl presents with a painless "clunking" sound in her lateral knee during flexion and extension. MRI reveals a discoid lateral meniscus. In the Wrisberg variant of a discoid meniscus, which stabilizing anatomical structure is characteristically absent?
Explanation
Question 57
An 8-year-old boy presents with mild right arm pain after throwing a ball. Radiographs reveal a central, lytic, well-circumscribed lesion in the proximal humeral metaphysis with a "fallen leaf" sign. Assuming the fracture has healed and the lesion remains asymptomatic, what is the most appropriate natural history expectation and management?
Explanation
Question 58
A 10-year-old girl undergoes a knee radiograph for a minor contusion. An incidental eccentric, bubbly, multiloculated lucent lesion with a sclerotic rim is noted in the posteromedial metaphysis of the distal femur. What is the most common natural history of this lesion?
Explanation
Question 59
A 9-month-old infant is brought in for an abnormal leg shape. Examination reveals anterolateral bowing of the left tibia. Radiographs demonstrate diaphyseal narrowing and sclerosis at the apex of the bow. This condition is most strongly associated with which underlying genetic disorder?
Explanation
Question 60
A 1-year-old infant with confirmed achondroplasia presents with hyperreflexia, clonus, and documented episodes of central sleep apnea. What is the most appropriate next diagnostic imaging modality to determine the underlying musculoskeletal etiology of these symptoms?
Explanation
Question 61
A 14-year-old boy presents with an unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and undergoes open reduction and internal fixation via a surgical hip dislocation approach. To minimize the risk of osteonecrosis, preserving the blood supply to the epiphysis is critical. Which vessel provides the primary blood supply to the femoral head in this patient?
Explanation
Question 62
A 2-week-old infant is undergoing serial casting for idiopathic clubfoot using the Ponseti method. What is the correct sequence of deformity correction in this technique?
Explanation
Question 63
A 6-year-old boy sustains a Gartland type III extension-type supracondylar humerus fracture. Following prompt closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, the hand remains pink and warm, but the radial pulse is absent. Capillary refill is less than 2 seconds. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
Explanation
Question 64
A 2-year-old child presents with severe bilateral leg bowing. Radiographs demonstrate a metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle (Drennan angle) of 18 degrees with medial metaphyseal beaking.
What is the initial treatment of choice?

Explanation
Question 65
A 4-month-old infant is being treated with a Pavlik harness for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). During a follow-up visit, the parents note the child is no longer actively kicking the knee into extension on the affected side. What is the most likely cause of this complication?
Explanation
Question 66
A 13-year-old boy complains of recurrent ankle sprains and a rigid, painful flatfoot. Clinical examination reveals peroneal spasticity. An oblique radiograph of the foot reveals an 'anteater nose' sign. Which condition is most likely present?
Explanation
Question 67
A 7-year-old girl with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level V) presents with a progressively painful left hip. Radiographs show a Reimers Migration Percentage of 65% with breaking of the Shenton line, but no degenerative changes. What is the recommended surgical management?
Explanation
Question 68
When evaluating a patient with Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease, several demographic and radiographic factors guide prognosis. Which of the following is associated with a POOR clinical outcome?
Explanation
Question 69
A 13-year-old girl sustains an ankle injury. Radiographs reveal a juvenile Tillaux fracture. This fracture pattern is primarily caused by which mechanism of injury and involves avulsion by which ligament?
Explanation
Question 70
According to the Loder classification, which clinical finding strictly defines a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) as 'unstable'?
Explanation
Question 71
A 3-year-old boy presents with a history of recurrent low-energy fractures, blue sclerae, and dentinogenesis imperfecta. Genetic testing is most likely to reveal a mutation affecting the synthesis of which structural protein?
Explanation
Question 72
A 10-year-old boy sustains a medial epicondyle fracture of the humerus following a fall. Which of the following represents an absolute indication for open reduction and internal fixation?
Explanation
Question 73
A 3-year-old, otherwise healthy boy sustains an isolated closed transverse fracture of the femoral diaphysis with 1.5 cm of shortening. What is the most appropriate definitive management?
Explanation
Question 74
A 12-year-old girl with a high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (Meyerding Grade IV) at L5-S1 undergoes surgical reduction and instrumented fusion. Postoperatively, she develops new-onset weakness in ankle dorsiflexion and extensor hallucis longus function. Injury to which nerve root is most likely responsible?
Explanation
Question 75
An 8-year-old boy presents with a painless, snapping sensation in his lateral knee during extension. MRI confirms a discoid lateral meniscus. According to the Watanabe classification, which type lacks posterior capsular attachments and is highly hypermobile?
Explanation
Question 76
A newborn is noted to have anterolateral bowing of the tibia. Over the first year of life, the tibia fractures and fails to heal, progressing to a congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT). This condition is most strongly associated with which underlying disorder?
Explanation
Question 77
A 7-year-old child sustains a significantly displaced radial neck fracture (Judet Type III) requiring percutaneous pin fixation. Following fracture healing and rehabilitation, what is the most common long-term functional complication?
Explanation
Question 78
A 13-year-old elite baseball pitcher complains of insidious-onset shoulder pain during the cocking phase of throwing. Radiographs reveal widening and irregularity of the proximal humeral physis.
What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 79
An infant is brought to the clinic with bilateral idiopathic clubfoot. The treating orthopedist decides to initiate serial casting using the Ponseti method. What is the correct sequence of deformity correction?
Explanation
Question 80
A 6-year-old boy sustains a completely displaced extension-type supracondylar humerus fracture.
Following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, he cannot flex his interphalangeal joint of the thumb and the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger. Which nerve is most likely injured?

Explanation
Question 81
A 4-year-old child presents with an acute onset of an inability to bear weight on the right leg, a temperature of 38.8°C, an ESR of 50 mm/hr, and a WBC count of 13,000/mm³. According to the Kocher criteria, what is the probability that this child has septic arthritis of the hip?
Explanation
Question 82
A 13-year-old boy undergoes an urgent in situ pinning for an unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) of the right hip.
Which of the following complications is he at the highest risk for developing compared to a patient with a stable SCFE?

Explanation
Question 83
A 10-week-old female is being treated with a Pavlik harness for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). At her follow-up appointment, the mother notes that the child is no longer kicking her right leg actively. On examination, there is decreased spontaneous active knee extension on the right. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation
Question 84
In evaluating a child with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD),
which of the following is considered the single most significant prognostic factor for the final outcome of the hip?

Explanation
Question 85
A 3-year-old obese girl presents with progressive bowing of her left leg and a lateral thrust during gait. Radiographs reveal an increased metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle.
Which of the following is true regarding the initial management of infantile Blount's disease?

Explanation
Question 86
A 13-year-old boy presents with a painful, rigid flatfoot and frequent ankle sprains. Radiographs show a "C-sign" on the lateral view. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic imaging to confirm the exact location and extent of the suspected pathology?
Explanation
Question 87
A 6-year-old boy with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is undergoing routine hip surveillance. His Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level is V. What is the most widely accepted radiographic measurement used to monitor for hip displacement in this patient?
Explanation
Question 88
A 9-year-old girl complains of a painful, snapping sensation in her lateral knee when walking. MRI confirms a Wrisberg variant discoid lateral meniscus. What is the defining anatomical characteristic of this variant?
Explanation
Question 89
An 18-month-old child is diagnosed with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) showing classic anterolateral bowing. This condition is most strongly associated with which of the following systemic disorders?
Explanation
Question 90
A neonate with macrocephaly, frontal bossing, and rhizomelic short stature is diagnosed with achondroplasia. Which of the following gene mutations is responsible for this condition?
Explanation
Question 91
A 3-year-old boy sustains an isolated midshaft femur fracture. He is placed in a one-and-a-half hip spica cast. What is the acceptable amount of shortening in this age group to account for expected overgrowth?
Explanation
Question 92
A 5-year-old boy with a history of multiple low-energy fractures, blue sclerae, and dentinogenesis imperfecta is treated with intravenous bisphosphonates. What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication in treating his condition?
Explanation
Question 93
A 14-year-old gymnast presents with persistent low back pain exacerbated by extension. Oblique radiographs demonstrate a "collar on the Scotty dog" at L5. If the patient has a grade 2 isthmic spondylolisthesis, what defines a grade 2 slip according to the Meyerding classification?
Explanation
Question 94
An 8-week-old infant presents with a left-sided neck mass and the head tilted to the left with the chin rotated to the right. A diagnosis of congenital muscular torticollis is made. What other orthopedic screening is most critical for this infant?
Explanation
Question 95
A 12-year-old active boy complains of anterior knee pain exacerbated by jumping. Examination reveals a prominent, tender tibial tubercle. Radiographs show fragmentation of the tibial tubercle apophysis. What is the most appropriate initial management?
Explanation
None
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