Which musculoskeletal injury would MOST likely result in deformity?

• A. Moderate sprain
• B. Hairline fracture
• C. Displaced fracture
• D. Severe strain

Answer: (C)

Deformity happens when the bone’s alignment is disrupted. A displaced fracture is when the bone breaks and the fragments shift out of their normal position, causing visible misalignment of the limb. That misalignment is what exams refer to as deformity. In a hairline fracture, the bone cracks but stays in place, so deformity is unlikely. Sprains and strains affect ligaments and muscles and mainly cause swelling and pain, not a misaligned bone. Therefore, the injury most likely to result in deformity is a displaced fracture because the bone ends are out of alignment.