Orthodontics: hemifacial microsomia: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Orthodontics: hemifacial microsomia

Sample item

A child has unilateral underdevelopment of the mandibular ramus and condyle, a small ear with preauricular tags and epibulbar dermoids. Which diagnosis fits?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Goldenhar syndrome (oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum)

Goldenhar syndrome is a variant of hemifacial microsomia with epibulbar dermoids, ear anomalies and vertebral defects. The jaw hypoplasia is usually unilateral.

Option by option

  • A. Apert syndrome

    Apert syndrome has craniosynostosis and syndactyly.

  • B. Treacher Collins syndrome

    Treacher Collins is bilateral and symmetrical.

  • C. Pierre Robin sequence

    Pierre Robin has micrognathia, glossoptosis and cleft palate, usually symmetrical.

  • D. Goldenhar syndrome (oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum) (correct)

    Correct. Unilateral jaw hypoplasia with dermoids and ear tags fits the spectrum.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Goldenhar syndrome (oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum). Goldenhar syndrome is a variant of hemifacial microsomia with epibulbar dermoids, ear anomalies and vertebral defects.

Why is "Apert syndrome" not the answer?

Apert syndrome has craniosynostosis and syndactyly.

Why is "Treacher Collins syndrome" not the answer?

Treacher Collins is bilateral and symmetrical.

Why is "Pierre Robin sequence" not the answer?

Pierre Robin has micrognathia, glossoptosis and cleft palate, usually symmetrical.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: hemifacial microsomia in Dentistry. The jaw hypoplasia is usually unilateral.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Orthodontics: hemifacial microsomia?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.