Fracture complications: Sudeck atrophy on imaging: 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 · Fracture complications: Sudeck atrophy on imaging

Sample item

Six weeks after a wrist fracture treated in plaster, a woman has burning pain, a swollen shiny hand and stiff fingers. Which radiographic finding is expected in this condition?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Patchy periarticular osteopenia

Complex regional pain syndrome after trauma produces rapid regional demineralisation seen as patchy, spotty osteopenia near the joints, known as Sudeck atrophy. The diagnosis is clinical, with burning pain, allodynia, swelling and trophic skin change. Early physiotherapy and analgesia are the mainstays.

Option by option

  • A. Dense transverse sclerotic lines at the metaphysis

    Transverse sclerotic lines are growth arrest lines and are not a feature of this syndrome.

  • B. Patchy periarticular osteopenia (correct)

    Correct. Patchy periarticular osteopenia is the classic radiographic change.

  • C. Lamellated periosteal reaction

    Lamellated periosteal reaction suggests infection or tumour.

  • D. Looser zones in the radius

    Looser zones are pseudofractures of osteomalacia.

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, Patchy periarticular osteopenia. Complex regional pain syndrome after trauma produces rapid regional demineralisation seen as patchy, spotty osteopenia near the joints, known as Sudeck atrophy.

Why is "Dense transverse sclerotic lines at the metaphysis" not the answer?

Transverse sclerotic lines are growth arrest lines and are not a feature of this syndrome.

Why is "Lamellated periosteal reaction" not the answer?

Lamellated periosteal reaction suggests infection or tumour.

Why is "Looser zones in the radius" not the answer?

Looser zones are pseudofractures of osteomalacia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fracture complications: Sudeck atrophy on imaging in Orthopaedics. The diagnosis is clinical, with burning pain, allodynia, swelling and trophic skin change. Early physiotherapy and analgesia are the mainstays.

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 Fracture complications: Sudeck atrophy on imaging?

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.