Which finding is classic for a hip fracture?

Study for the NREMT Medical, Obstetrics, and Gynecology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Sharpen your skills and boost your confidence for the exam!

Multiple Choice

Which finding is classic for a hip fracture?

Explanation:
Leg shortening with external rotation is the classic sign of a hip fracture. The fracture causes the limb to overlap and the surrounding muscles to spasm, pulling the leg into external rotation. This appearance helps distinguish a hip fracture from other injuries; for example, a posterior hip dislocation often shows internal rotation rather than external, and knee buckling suggests a knee issue rather than the hip. A leg that lengthens is not typical for a hip fracture.

Leg shortening with external rotation is the classic sign of a hip fracture. The fracture causes the limb to overlap and the surrounding muscles to spasm, pulling the leg into external rotation. This appearance helps distinguish a hip fracture from other injuries; for example, a posterior hip dislocation often shows internal rotation rather than external, and knee buckling suggests a knee issue rather than the hip. A leg that lengthens is not typical for a hip fracture.

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