Bone infection: probe-to-bone test: 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 · Bone infection: probe-to-bone test

Sample item

A diabetic man has a deep plantar ulcer under the first metatarsal head. A sterile metal probe passed into the ulcer touches hard bone. What does a positive probe-to-bone test suggest?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Underlying osteomyelitis

In a diabetic foot ulcer, a probe that reaches bone strongly suggests underlying osteomyelitis, particularly with a high pretest probability. MRI or bone biopsy then confirms the diagnosis. Treatment may require debridement and prolonged antibiotics.

Option by option

  • A. Underlying osteomyelitis (correct)

    Correct. Probing to bone is a bedside sign of osteomyelitis.

  • B. A healthy ulcer likely to heal

    Bone exposure signals a deep, high-risk ulcer, not a healthy one.

  • C. Superficial cellulitis only

    Superficial cellulitis would not allow the probe to reach bone.

  • D. Peripheral neuropathy only

    Neuropathy contributes to ulcer formation but is not diagnosed by probing.

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 A, Underlying osteomyelitis. In a diabetic foot ulcer, a probe that reaches bone strongly suggests underlying osteomyelitis, particularly with a high pretest probability.

Why is "A healthy ulcer likely to heal" not the answer?

Bone exposure signals a deep, high-risk ulcer, not a healthy one.

Why is "Superficial cellulitis only" not the answer?

Superficial cellulitis would not allow the probe to reach bone.

Why is "Peripheral neuropathy only" not the answer?

Neuropathy contributes to ulcer formation but is not diagnosed by probing.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone infection: probe-to-bone test in Orthopaedics. MRI or bone biopsy then confirms the diagnosis. Treatment may require debridement and prolonged antibiotics.

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 Bone infection: probe-to-bone test?

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.