MSK imaging: rotator cuff tear: 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 · MSK imaging: rotator cuff tear

Sample item

A 55-year-old painter has shoulder pain and cannot abduct the arm. A radiograph shows a high-riding humeral head. Which investigations best confirm a full-thickness supraspinatus tear?

ACT of the brainBChest radiographCBone scanDUltrasound or MRI of the shoulder

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ultrasound or MRI of the shoulder

A high riding humeral head with a reduced acromiohumeral distance suggests a chronic massive cuff tear. Ultrasound and MRI show tendon discontinuity, retraction and muscle atrophy.

Option by option

A. CT of the brain
A brain CT is unrelated.
B. Chest radiograph
A chest film does not show the cuff.
C. Bone scan
A bone scan is non-specific.
D. Ultrasound or MRI of the shoulder (correct)
Correct. Ultrasound or MRI shows tendon tears directly.

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.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is D, Ultrasound or MRI of the shoulder. A high riding humeral head with a reduced acromiohumeral distance suggests a chronic massive cuff tear.

Why is "CT of the brain" not the answer?

A brain CT is unrelated.

Why is "Chest radiograph" not the answer?

A chest film does not show the cuff.

Why is "Bone scan" not the answer?

A bone scan is non-specific.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: rotator cuff tear in Radiology. Ultrasound and MRI show tendon discontinuity, retraction and muscle atrophy.

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 MSK imaging: rotator cuff tear?

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.