Spine: congenital scoliosis: 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 · Spine: congenital scoliosis

Sample item

A 4-year-old has a progressive curve of 40 degrees from a fully segmented hemivertebra. Which investigation should accompany the spinal work-up?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. MRI of the spine, renal ultrasound and echocardiography

Congenital vertebral anomalies are associated with intraspinal anomalies such as tethered cord and syringomyelia, and with renal and cardiac anomalies as in VACTERL. MRI of the whole spine, renal ultrasound and echocardiography are therefore performed. A fully segmented hemivertebra tends to progress and may need hemivertebra excision or growth-guided surgery.

Option by option

  • A. Skull radiograph and EEG

    A skull radiograph and EEG are not related to vertebral anomalies.

  • B. MRI of the spine, renal ultrasound and echocardiography (correct)

    Correct. Associated spinal, renal and cardiac anomalies must be excluded.

  • C. Colonoscopy

    Colonoscopy has no role.

  • D. Thyroid function tests

    Thyroid disease is not associated with congenital scoliosis.

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, MRI of the spine, renal ultrasound and echocardiography. Congenital vertebral anomalies are associated with intraspinal anomalies such as tethered cord and syringomyelia, and with renal and cardiac anomalies as in VACTERL.

Why is "Skull radiograph and EEG" not the answer?

A skull radiograph and EEG are not related to vertebral anomalies.

Why is "Colonoscopy" not the answer?

Colonoscopy has no role.

Why is "Thyroid function tests" not the answer?

Thyroid disease is not associated with congenital scoliosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine: congenital scoliosis in Orthopaedics. MRI of the whole spine, renal ultrasound and echocardiography are therefore performed. A fully segmented hemivertebra tends to progress and may need hemivertebra excision or growth-guided surgery.

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 Spine: congenital scoliosis?

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.