Leprosy: bone changes: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Leprosy: bone changes

Sample item

Neuropathic bone resorption of the toes and metatarsals in leprosy produces which radiological appearance?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Concentric resorption giving a licked candy stick appearance

In leprosy, loss of sensation and repeated trauma and infection cause concentric bone resorption of phalanges and metatarsals, giving a licked candy stick or pencil-pointed appearance. Sunburst reaction and Codman triangle suggest osteosarcoma, and onion skin periostitis suggests Ewing sarcoma.

Option by option

  • A. Concentric resorption giving a licked candy stick appearance (correct)

    Correct. Concentric resorption gives a licked candy stick appearance.

  • B. Sunburst periosteal reaction

    A sunburst reaction suggests osteosarcoma.

  • C. Onion-skin periostitis

    Onion-skin periostitis suggests Ewing sarcoma.

  • D. Codman triangle

    Codman triangle suggests an aggressive bone tumour.

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 Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, Concentric resorption giving a licked candy stick appearance. In leprosy, loss of sensation and repeated trauma and infection cause concentric bone resorption of phalanges and metatarsals, giving a licked candy stick or pencil-pointed appearance.

Why is "Sunburst periosteal reaction" not the answer?

A sunburst reaction suggests osteosarcoma.

Why is "Onion-skin periostitis" not the answer?

Onion-skin periostitis suggests Ewing sarcoma.

Why is "Codman triangle" not the answer?

Codman triangle suggests an aggressive bone tumour.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Leprosy: bone changes in Dermatology. Sunburst reaction and Codman triangle suggest osteosarcoma, and onion skin periostitis suggests Ewing sarcoma.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Leprosy: bone changes?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.