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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Elbow Broken or Sprained Quiz: Spot the Difference Fast

Quick, free elbow injury symptoms quiz with instant feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Evaggelos VlassisUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
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This elbow broken or sprained quiz helps you tell a possible fracture from a sprain using simple symptom clues. Work through brief cases, learn what signs matter, and get instant feedback. If pain reaches beyond the elbow, try our shoulder pain diagnosis quiz or explore wrist issues with the carpal tunnel quiz.

What key symptom suggests a bone fracture rather than a sprain?
Pain that improves with rest
Visible deformity at the injury site
Mild swelling around the joint
Bruising without functional loss
A visible deformity often indicates displacement of bone fragments, which is not seen in sprains. Sprains typically involve ligaments without bone misalignment, leading to swelling and bruising without obvious deformity. Prompt recognition of deformity guides the need for immediate immobilization and imaging.
Which imaging modality is the first-line to evaluate a suspected elbow fracture?
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Standard elbow X-ray (AP and lateral views)
Musculoskeletal ultrasound
Plain radiographs are the initial study for suspected fractures because they quickly reveal cortical disruption or joint alignment issues. MRI and CT are reserved for complex or occult cases. Ultrasound has limited utility for bony assessment in acute injuries.
Which mechanism most commonly causes a Colles fracture at the wrist?
Fall onto an outstretched hand with wrist dorsiflexion
Twisting injury of the forearm
Direct blow to the palm
Chronic repetitive stress
A fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH) with wrist extended typically produces the classic distal radius 'Colles' fracture. Direct blows or twisting mechanisms produce different fracture patterns. Overuse injuries usually lead to stress fractures rather than acute Colles fractures.
During physical exam, which finding is most indicative of an elbow fracture?
Localized point tenderness over the bone
Full range of motion with generalized discomfort
Diffuse swelling without point tenderness
Diffuse mild bruising without focal pain
Point tenderness over a bone frequently correlates with a fracture site where cortical disruption exists. Sprains and contusions often cause diffuse pain or bruising without a single focal spot. Accurate localization helps direct imaging and management.
What initial immobilization device is recommended for a suspected elbow fracture before definitive treatment?
Wrist cock-up splint
Short arm cast
Figure-of-eight clavicle brace
Posterior long arm splint
A posterior long arm splint stabilizes the elbow in slight flexion and prevents displacement while awaiting further imaging or orthopedic evaluation. Short arm casts and wrist splints do not adequately immobilize the elbow joint. Proper splinting reduces pain and soft tissue injury.
What is a Monteggia fracture-dislocation?
Distal radius fracture with ulnar dislocation
Humeral epicondyle fracture
Radial head fracture with capitellum dislocation
Fracture of the proximal ulna with radial head dislocation
A Monteggia injury consists of a proximal ulnar shaft fracture accompanied by dislocation of the radial head. This pattern requires surgical fixation to restore forearm alignment and elbow stability. Missing the radial head dislocation can lead to chronic dysfunction.
A Galeazzi fracture involves which injury pattern?
Proximal ulna fracture with radial head dislocation
Scaphoid waist fracture
Distal humerus condylar fracture
Distal radial shaft fracture with distal radioulnar joint dislocation
The Galeazzi fracture is defined by a radial shaft break near the wrist with disruption of the distal radioulnar joint. Proper surgical management involves open reduction of the radius and repair or pinning of the DRUJ. Untreated, it leads to chronic wrist instability.
On a lateral elbow X-ray, what does a visible anterior fat pad ('sail sign') suggest?
Ligamentous sprain without fracture
Elbow joint effusion often due to occult fracture
Muscle strain around the joint
Tendon tear of the biceps
An elevated anterior fat pad indicates intra-articular fluid from hemarthrosis, frequently due to an occult fracture in adults and children. It cannot occur with mere soft tissue injuries. Detection guides the need for further management.
Which physical exam maneuver assesses the stability of the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow?
Finkelstein's test
Tinel's sign
Phalen's test
Valgus stress test
Applying a valgus force to the elbow tests the integrity of the ulnar collateral ligament. Phalen's and Tinel's assess nerve compression at the wrist or elbow, and Finkelstein's tests tendonitis of the thumb. Proper ligament testing distinguishes sprains from fractures.
In children, a 'nursemaid's elbow' refers to which injury?
Radial shaft fracture
Radial head subluxation
True elbow dislocation
Medial epicondyle avulsion fracture
Nursemaid's elbow is an annular ligament displacement causing radial head subluxation, common in toddlers. It is reduced by supination and flexion of the elbow. This injury has no bony fracture but mimics pain and limited motion.
Which Salter-Harris classification describes a fracture through the growth plate and metaphysis only?
Type II
Type IV
Type III
Type I
Salter-Harris Type II fractures traverse the physis and exit through the metaphysis, creating a triangular metaphyseal fragment (Thurston-Holland sign). Type I crosses only the physis; Types III and IV involve the epiphysis. Correct classification guides prognosis and management.
A patient presents with snuffbox tenderness after a fall. What is the most appropriate next step?
Refer directly to physical therapy
No immobilization and early range of motion
Immobilize in a thumb spica and repeat X-ray in 7 - 10 days
Obtain immediate MRI
Scaphoid fractures often do not show on initial radiographs. A thumb spica immobilizes the area, and repeat imaging can reveal late changes. MRI is reserved for persistent occult cases. Early immobilization prevents nonunion.
Compartment syndrome is a serious complication in forearm fractures. Which finding is most characteristic?
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Severe pain out of proportion, especially on passive stretch
Bounding distal pulses
Decreased swelling with improved perfusion
Pain disproportionate to injury and pain on passive stretch are early hallmarks of compartment syndrome, requiring fasciotomy if confirmed. Pulses may remain intact until late, and swelling usually worsens. Prompt diagnosis prevents permanent damage.
Which fracture pattern requires urgent surgical fixation to prevent chronic radial head dislocation?
Colles fracture
Scaphoid waist fracture
Monteggia fracture
Smith fracture
Unreduced Monteggia fractures leave the radial head dislocated, leading to pain, limited motion, and arthritis. Early open reduction of the ulna and stabilization of the radial head restore anatomy. Smith and Colles patterns affect the distal radius, and scaphoid waist fractures rarely dislocate.
In adolescents, medial epicondyle fractures may mimic which overuse injury, making diagnosis challenging?
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Scaphoid fracture
Medial epicondylitis (pitcher's elbow)
Radial head dislocation
Apophyseal avulsion of the medial epicondyle in young athletes presents with pain and tenderness similar to medial epicondylitis. Radiographs or advanced imaging are needed to differentiate a bony injury from tendinopathy. Missing a fracture can impair growth and elbow stability.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Differentiate between broken and sprained elbow symptoms -

    Apply knowledge from the "is my elbow broken or sprained quiz" to distinguish common signs of elbow fractures versus sprains, such as deformity, swelling, and pain location.

  2. Identify key indicators of wrist fractures and sprains -

    Use clues from the elbow-to-wrist fracture quiz to recognize wrist fracture patterns and sprained wrist test findings, including tenderness points and range-of-motion limitations.

  3. Interpret clinical scenarios for accurate assessment -

    Analyze patient scenarios in the broken elbow symptoms quiz to determine likely injury type and severity based on history and physical examination details.

  4. Apply initial management steps for upper-limb injuries -

    Implement basic first-aid and referral guidelines covered in the elbow fracture quiz for suspected fractures or sprains, ensuring appropriate immobilization and next steps.

  5. Analyze fracture patterns and sprain mechanisms -

    Examine descriptions of various injury mechanisms to understand how different forces produce specific elbow and wrist fractures or sprains.

  6. Reinforce diagnostic skills through instant feedback -

    Benefit from immediate quiz results to solidify learning and pinpoint areas for further study in elbow and wrist injury assessment.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Mechanism of Injury & FOOSH Mnemonic -

    Remember the FOOSH (fall on an outstretched hand) scenario to differentiate common wrist fractures from elbow sprains; Mayo Clinic research highlights that axial loading often results in distal radius breaks while direct trauma can affect the olecranon. By noting whether the force was axial, torsional, or direct, learners prepping for an elbow fracture quiz or a wrist fracture quiz can predict probable injuries more accurately.

  2. Anatomical Landmarks & Palpation Protocol -

    Master palpation of the olecranon, radial head, and anatomical snuffbox in a systematic "3P" approach (Palpate, Point tenderness, Provocation) as recommended by Gray's Anatomy. Consistent practice helps you ace the broken elbow symptoms quiz and distinguish a sprained wrist test by pinpointing exact sites of tenderness.

  3. Specialized Physical Exam Tests -

    Use varus/valgus stress tests at the elbow to assess collateral ligaments and the scaphoid compression test for suspected wrist fractures; peer-reviewed journals show these maneuvers yield high sensitivity for sprains versus breaks. Including these in your toolkit ensures you're ready for the "is my elbow broken or sprained" quiz scene with confidence.

  4. X-Ray Interpretation & Red-Flag Signs -

    Learn to spot the anterior fat pad ("sail sign") on a lateral view to flag occult elbow fractures and request dedicated scaphoid views for suspected wrist breaks, per Radiopaedia guidelines. Understanding Salter - Harris classifications for pediatric cases further prepares you for any broken elbow symptoms quiz scenario.

  5. Initial Management & Referral Criteria -

    Apply the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol and use a snug splint for immobilization, following AAOS recommendations, while always performing neurovascular checks. Recognizing red-flag signs - like deformity, open wounds, or loss of distal pulses - guides timely orthopedic referral and completes your preparation for a comprehensive sprained wrist test.

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