Free practice question 2 of 20 · Basic science
An original single best answer question in the style of the FRCS (Tr & Orth) Section 1 paper, with the answer and a referenced explanation. Pick an answer to reveal it, then rate how sure you were.
A 58-year-old woman slips on a wet floor, falls from standing height and has the wrist injury shown on these radiographs. She went through the menopause at 50, takes no medication and has never had a bone density scan. Her fracture is treated in a cast.
According to NICE guidance, what is the most appropriate next step in managing her bone health?
Topic guide
Basic science: what the exam tests
Syllabus coverage, high-yield themes and the common traps.
Free article
Fracture healing and Perren’s strain theory: absolute and relative stability
Primary and secondary bone healing, the stages of callus, Perren’s interfragmentary strain theory, and how to choose absolute or relative stability for a fracture.
Free article
The stress–strain curve and the material properties of orthopaedic biomaterials
The stress–strain curve for FRCS (Tr & Orth): Young’s modulus, yield, ultimate strength, toughness, fatigue and viscoelasticity, applied to metals, polyethylene, cement and ceramics.
Interactive 3D
The physis (growth plate)
A child's proximal tibia cut lengthways, showing the epiphysis, the thin cartilaginous physis and the metaphysis below it.
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