Bone infection: central type spinal tuberculosis: 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: central type spinal tuberculosis

Sample item

A 6-year-old has back pain and a flattened, collapsed single vertebral body on radiograph with a relatively preserved disc space. Which pattern of spinal tuberculosis does this describe?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Central type

In the central type the infection starts in the middle of the vertebral body and causes concentric collapse, sometimes producing vertebra plana, with the disc spaces preserved for a time. Paradiscal disease starts next to the disc and narrows the disc space. Anterior disease spreads under the anterior longitudinal ligament.

Option by option

  • A. Anterior subligamentous type

    The anterior type erodes the front of several vertebral bodies under the ligament.

  • B. Paradiscal type

    The paradiscal type narrows the disc space early.

  • C. Central type (correct)

    Correct. Central collapse with preserved disc is the central type.

  • D. Appendiceal type

    The appendiceal type involves the posterior elements.

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 C, Central type. In the central type the infection starts in the middle of the vertebral body and causes concentric collapse, sometimes producing vertebra plana, with the disc spaces preserved for a time.

Why is "Anterior subligamentous type" not the answer?

The anterior type erodes the front of several vertebral bodies under the ligament.

Why is "Paradiscal type" not the answer?

The paradiscal type narrows the disc space early.

Why is "Appendiceal type" not the answer?

The appendiceal type involves the posterior elements.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone infection: central type spinal tuberculosis in Orthopaedics. Paradiscal disease starts next to the disc and narrows the disc space. Anterior disease spreads under the anterior longitudinal ligament.

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: central type spinal tuberculosis?

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.