Complications of fractures (e.g., nonunion, malunion, delayed healing) MCQs

What is nonunion in the context of fractures?
A) Failure of the bone to heal
B) Healing of the bone in an incorrect position
C) Delayed healing of a fracture
D) Incomplete healing of a fracture
Answer: A) Failure of the bone to heal

Which of the following can be a cause of nonunion?
A) Inadequate blood supply
B) Infection
C) Severe movement at the fracture site
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is malunion?
A) Healing of the bone without any issues
B) Healing of a fracture in an abnormal position
C) Failure of the bone to heal completely
D) A type of fracture
Answer: B) Healing of a fracture in an abnormal position

What is a common sign of delayed healing?
A) Swelling
B) Tenderness
C) Continued pain and instability
D) Complete recovery
Answer: C) Continued pain and instability

Which type of fracture is more prone to complications like nonunion?
A) Simple fractures
B) Stress fractures
C) Comminuted fractures
D) Greenstick fractures
Answer: C) Comminuted fractures

What is a common treatment option for nonunion?
A) Immediate weight-bearing
B) Surgical intervention
C) Use of a splint
D) Application of heat
Answer: B) Surgical intervention

What imaging technique is often used to assess nonunion?
A) X-ray
B) MRI
C) CT scan
D) Ultrasound
Answer: A) X-ray

Which of the following factors can delay fracture healing?
A) Age
B) Nutrition
C) Presence of infections
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is the primary goal in managing malunion?
A) To ignore it if it is not painful
B) To realign the bones
C) To enhance mobility
D) To apply a stronger cast
Answer: B) To realign the bones

What is the term for the healing time expected for a fracture?
A) Union time
B) Healing period
C) Fracture healing timeline
D) Expected union time
Answer: D) Expected union time

What type of complication arises when a fracture heals slowly?
A) Nonunion
B) Delayed union
C) Malunion
D) Complicated union
Answer: B) Delayed union

Which of the following is a possible consequence of malunion?
A) Increased range of motion
B) Chronic pain and deformity
C) Enhanced physical performance
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Chronic pain and deformity

What can be a risk factor for delayed healing?
A) Proper nutrition
B) Young age
C) Smoking
D) Good hydration
Answer: C) Smoking

What is the role of surgical intervention in managing nonunion?
A) To reposition the bones without hardware
B) To provide stabilization and promote healing
C) To perform a bone graft
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C

Which type of bone fracture is less likely to cause complications?
A) Comminuted fractures
B) Simple fractures
C) Open fractures
D) Complex fractures
Answer: B) Simple fractures

What can be used to stimulate healing in nonunion cases?
A) Bone grafting
B) Physical therapy
C) Medication
D) Rest
Answer: A) Bone grafting

Which factor can contribute to malunion?
A) Inadequate immobilization
B) Excessive rest
C) Strong fixation
D) Proper alignment
Answer: A) Inadequate immobilization

What is the common clinical manifestation of nonunion?
A) Complete recovery
B) Persistent pain at the fracture site
C) Reduced swelling
D) Improved mobility
Answer: B) Persistent pain at the fracture site

What is the primary risk of delayed union?
A) Improved function
B) Increased risk of complications
C) Faster recovery
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Increased risk of complications

Which of the following treatments may help with delayed healing?
A) Increased physical activity
B) Bone stimulators
C) Decreased calcium intake
D) Ignoring symptoms
Answer: B) Bone stimulators

What type of imaging can help assess the quality of healing in fractures?
A) X-ray
B) MRI
C) CT scan
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

Which of the following is NOT a sign of nonunion?
A) Tenderness at the site
B) Absence of pain
C) Deformity of the bone
D) Lack of mobility
Answer: B) Absence of pain

How can inadequate nutrition affect fracture healing?
A) It has no impact on healing.
B) It can lead to delayed healing.
C) It accelerates the healing process.
D) It only affects soft tissue.
Answer: B) It can lead to delayed healing.

Which of the following is a characteristic of delayed union?
A) Quick recovery
B) Healing beyond the expected time
C) Increased swelling
D) Complete immobilization
Answer: B) Healing beyond the expected time

What can be a consequence of surgical treatment for nonunion?
A) Immediate healing
B) Potential for complications
C) Permanent disability
D) No effect on healing
Answer: B) Potential for complications

Which condition may require a revision surgery?
A) Malunion
B) Stress fracture
C) Simple fracture
D) Greenstick fracture
Answer: A) Malunion

What can help prevent nonunion in high-risk patients?
A) Early mobilization
B) Adequate immobilization
C) Ignoring the injury
D) High-impact sports
Answer: B) Adequate immobilization

What type of fixation is crucial to prevent malunion?
A) Non-rigid fixation
B) External fixation
C) Rigid fixation
D) Temporary fixation
Answer: C) Rigid fixation

What is the term for excessive healing that can lead to complications?
A) Overunion
B) Malunion
C) Nonunion
D) Union
Answer: A) Overunion

What is a common non-surgical intervention for delayed healing?
A) Bed rest
B) Physical therapy
C) Bone stimulation
D) Surgical fixation
Answer: C) Bone stimulation

What are the typical timeframes for fracture healing in adults?
A) 2-4 weeks
B) 6-12 weeks
C) 12-24 weeks
D) 1-3 years
Answer: B) 6-12 weeks

Which complication involves healing in a functionally disadvantageous position?
A) Nonunion
B) Malunion
C) Delayed union
D) Complicated fracture
Answer: B) Malunion

What is a critical factor in determining fracture healing potential?
A) Time of year
B) Patient age and health
C) Type of fracture
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C

Which of the following is a treatment for malunion?
A) Observation
B) Surgical correction
C) Increased activity
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Surgical correction

What dietary component is crucial for bone healing?
A) Protein
B) Carbohydrates
C) Calcium
D) Fats
Answer: C) Calcium

Which condition can lead to complications if untreated?
A) Stress fracture
B) Nonunion
C) Hairline fracture
D) Greenstick fracture
Answer: B) Nonunion

What can prolonged immobilization lead to in fracture recovery?
A) Enhanced muscle strength
B) Muscle atrophy
C) Faster healing
D) Increased range of motion
Answer: B) Muscle atrophy

What can patients do to support healing after a fracture?
A) Maintain a balanced diet
B) Avoid physical therapy
C) Increase smoking
D) Ignore follow-up appointments
Answer: A) Maintain a balanced diet