Question

In a subcapital fracture of the neck of femur, the position of the limb is

• A. Abduction
• B. External rotation
• C. Flexion and internal rotation
• D. Adduction

Hint:

Think about which hip muscles keep pulling once the femoral neck is no longer intact.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

This question is testing recognition of the classic limb posture in a femoral neck fracture.

1. Abduction: not the typical resting posture after this fracture.
2. External rotation: the short external rotators of the hip pull unopposed once the femoral neck is broken, and the limb's own weight adds to this, turning the leg outward - this, along with shortening, is the classic finding.
3. Flexion and internal rotation: this describes a posterior hip dislocation, a different injury altogether.
4. Adduction: not the characteristic position seen here.

Correct answer: External rotation.