Fractures: lipohaemarthrosis: 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 · Fractures: lipohaemarthrosis

Sample item

After a fall, a patient has a swollen knee. A cross-table lateral radiograph shows a horizontal fat-fluid level in the suprapatellar pouch. What does this indicate?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. An intra-articular fracture

A fat-fluid level on a horizontal-beam film means marrow fat has entered the joint from a fracture that communicates with it, which is lipohaemarthrosis. It prompts a search for an occult intra-articular fracture such as a tibial plateau fracture. Simple effusions do not contain a fat layer.

Option by option

  • A. A meniscal cyst

    A meniscal cyst is a localised swelling at the joint line.

  • B. An intra-articular fracture (correct)

    Correct. Marrow fat in the joint indicates an intra-articular fracture.

  • C. Septic arthritis

    Septic arthritis does not produce fat from bone.

  • D. A simple effusion from synovitis

    Synovitis produces fluid without a fat layer.

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, An intra-articular fracture. A fat-fluid level on a horizontal-beam film means marrow fat has entered the joint from a fracture that communicates with it, which is lipohaemarthrosis.

Why is "A meniscal cyst" not the answer?

A meniscal cyst is a localised swelling at the joint line.

Why is "Septic arthritis" not the answer?

Septic arthritis does not produce fat from bone.

Why is "A simple effusion from synovitis" not the answer?

Synovitis produces fluid without a fat layer.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: lipohaemarthrosis in Orthopaedics. It prompts a search for an occult intra-articular fracture such as a tibial plateau fracture. Simple effusions do not contain a fat layer.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Fractures: lipohaemarthrosis?

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.