Which statement about signs of hip fracture is true?

Which statement about signs of hip fracture is true?

• A. External rotation of the leg is common
• B. The leg typically lies externally rotated
• C. Numbness in the opposite hand is typical
• D. There is no deformity in the leg

Answer: (B)

The main finding in a hip fracture is the leg lying in external rotation with shortening. After a fracture around the hip, the muscles crossing the hip pull the limb into a position that points outward, and gravity helps keep it shortened. That makes the description that the leg typically lies externally rotated the most accurate and exam-relevant wording. Saying external rotation is common is true but less precise about the actual posture you’ll observe. Numbness in the opposite hand isn’t linked to a hip fracture, and there is usually deformity with shortening, so “no deformity” isn’t correct.

The main finding in a hip fracture is the leg lying in external rotation with shortening. After a fracture around the hip, the muscles crossing the hip pull the limb into a position that points outward, and gravity helps keep it shortened. That makes the description that the leg typically lies externally rotated the most accurate and exam-relevant wording. Saying external rotation is common is true but less precise about the actual posture you’ll observe. Numbness in the opposite hand isn’t linked to a hip fracture, and there is usually deformity with shortening, so “no deformity” isn’t correct.