Spine imaging: spondylolysis: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Spine imaging: spondylolysis

Sample item

An adolescent gymnast has low back pain on extension. An oblique lumbar radiograph shows a break in the neck of the Scottie dog at L5. What is the finding?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Spondylolysis, a pars interarticularis defect

On the oblique view, the pars interarticularis forms the neck of the Scottie dog, and a lucent defect there means spondylolysis, or collar of the dog. If the vertebra slips forward it becomes spondylolisthesis.

Option by option

  • A. Spondylolisthesis only

    Spondylolisthesis is forward slip and is a consequence.

  • B. Facet joint osteoarthritis

    Facet arthritis does not break the pars.

  • C. Spondylolysis, a pars interarticularis defect (correct)

    Correct. A defect in the neck of the Scottie dog is spondylolysis.

  • D. Schmorl node

    A Schmorl node is a disc herniation into the endplate.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Spondylolysis, a pars interarticularis defect. On the oblique view, the pars interarticularis forms the neck of the Scottie dog, and a lucent defect there means spondylolysis, or collar of the dog.

Why is "Spondylolisthesis only" not the answer?

Spondylolisthesis is forward slip and is a consequence.

Why is "Facet joint osteoarthritis" not the answer?

Facet arthritis does not break the pars.

Why is "Schmorl node" not the answer?

A Schmorl node is a disc herniation into the endplate.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine imaging: spondylolysis in Radiology. If the vertebra slips forward it becomes spondylolisthesis.

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 imaging: spondylolysis?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.