Foot: talocalcaneal coalition: practice question

A Orthopaedics 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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Orthopaedics · Foot: talocalcaneal coalition

Sample item

A 13-year-old has recurrent ankle sprains and a rigid, painful flatfoot with spasm of the peroneal muscles. A lateral radiograph shows a continuous curved line along the talus and sustentaculum tali. Which sign is this, and what is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. C sign of a talocalcaneal coalition

A talocalcaneal coalition creates a C-shaped line on the lateral radiograph formed by the talar dome and the sustentaculum tali. Coalitions present in adolescence as a rigid flatfoot with peroneal spasm after ossification of the bar. CT is used to define the extent of the bar.

Option by option

  • A. Hawkins sign of a talar neck fracture

    Hawkins sign is a subchondral lucency of the talus indicating preserved blood supply after a neck fracture.

  • B. C sign of a talocalcaneal coalition (correct)

    Correct. A C sign is typical of talocalcaneal coalition.

  • C. Anteater sign of a calcaneonavicular coalition

    The anteater sign describes an elongated anterior process of the calcaneus in a calcaneonavicular coalition.

  • D. Boehler angle reduction of a calcaneal fracture

    Boehler angle is reduced in calcaneal fracture after a fall from height.

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 Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, C sign of a talocalcaneal coalition. A talocalcaneal coalition creates a C-shaped line on the lateral radiograph formed by the talar dome and the sustentaculum tali.

Why is "Hawkins sign of a talar neck fracture" not the answer?

Hawkins sign is a subchondral lucency of the talus indicating preserved blood supply after a neck fracture.

Why is "Anteater sign of a calcaneonavicular coalition" not the answer?

The anteater sign describes an elongated anterior process of the calcaneus in a calcaneonavicular coalition.

Why is "Boehler angle reduction of a calcaneal fracture" not the answer?

Boehler angle is reduced in calcaneal fracture after a fall from height.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Foot: talocalcaneal coalition in Orthopaedics. Coalitions present in adolescence as a rigid flatfoot with peroneal spasm after ossification of the bar. CT is used to define the extent of the bar.

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 Foot: talocalcaneal coalition?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics 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.