Free practice question 9 of 20 · Trauma
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.
An 87-year-old woman with advanced dementia, who lives in a nursing home and is hoisted for transfers, falls from her chair. CT shows a type II odontoid fracture with 2 mm of posterior displacement. There is no neurological deficit.
What is the most appropriate management?
Topic guide
Trauma: what the exam tests
Syllabus coverage, high-yield themes and the common traps.
Free article
Open fractures: the BOAST standard, timings and the Gustilo–Anderson classification
The BOAST open fracture standard for FRCS (Tr & Orth): antibiotics within an hour, debridement at 12 or 24 hours, cover within 72 hours, and Gustilo–Anderson grading.
Interactive 3D
Atlas & axis (C1–C2)
The atlas (C1) sitting on the axis (C2) from above and behind, with the dens of C2 projecting up into the ring of the atlas.
Create a free account with Google and go straight into the sample bank, today's Daily Five and your readiness dashboard. No card required.