MSK imaging: myositis ossificans: 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: myositis ossificans

Sample item

Three weeks after a thigh contusion in a footballer, a painful mass is seen. CT shows peripheral, eggshell-like ossification around a lucent centre. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Myositis ossificans

In myositis ossificans, maturation is zonal and the ossification is most mature at the periphery. This contrasts with osteosarcoma, in which the centre is the densest and the periphery is least mature. Recognition prevents unnecessary early biopsy.

Option by option

  • A. Osteomyelitis

    Osteomyelitis shows bone destruction and periosteal change.

  • B. Myositis ossificans (correct)

    Correct. Peripheral zonal ossification after trauma is myositis ossificans.

  • C. Soft tissue sarcoma

    A sarcoma lacks this peripheral mature rim.

  • D. Parosteal osteosarcoma

    Osteosarcoma is densest centrally.

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 B, Myositis ossificans. In myositis ossificans, maturation is zonal and the ossification is most mature at the periphery.

Why is "Osteomyelitis" not the answer?

Osteomyelitis shows bone destruction and periosteal change.

Why is "Soft tissue sarcoma" not the answer?

A sarcoma lacks this peripheral mature rim.

Why is "Parosteal osteosarcoma" not the answer?

Osteosarcoma is densest centrally.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: myositis ossificans in Radiology. This contrasts with osteosarcoma, in which the centre is the densest and the periphery is least mature. Recognition prevents unnecessary early biopsy.

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 MSK imaging: myositis ossificans?

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.