American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes explanations to enhance understanding. Boost your confidence and readiness for the exam!

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Which type of fracture can be associated with cervical spine fracture?

Maxillofacial fracture
Temporal fracture
Facial fracture
Scapula fracture

The correct answer is: Temporal fracture

A temporal fracture can be associated with a cervical spine fracture due to the anatomical proximity and the mechanism of injury often involved in trauma. When a patient experiences a significant impact or trauma to the head or neck, both the temporal bone and the cervical spine can be affected. The temporal bone is located at the sides of the skull and houses structures related to hearing and balance. Severe forces that can lead to a cervical spine injury, such as in cases of high-energy impacts (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights), also have the potential to cause fractures of the temporal bone. In contrast, while maxillofacial and facial fractures can occur concurrently with cervical spine injuries, they are less frequently associated specifically because the mechanisms of injury may differ or target other structural areas. Scapula fractures typically occur with upper body trauma, which does not directly correlate with cervical spine injuries.