Musculoskeletal radiology: scaphoid fracture: 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 · Musculoskeletal radiology: scaphoid fracture

Sample item

A patient has anatomical snuffbox tenderness after a fall, but initial wrist radiographs are normal. What is the appropriate imaging principle?

ARequest a chest CTBStart unrestricted sportCImmobilize and arrange repeat radiographs or advanced imaging if suspicion persistsDExclude fracture immediately

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Immobilize and arrange repeat radiographs or advanced imaging if suspicion persists

Occult scaphoid fractures may not be visible on initial radiographs. Because delayed diagnosis risks nonunion and avascular necrosis, persistent clinical suspicion warrants immobilization and follow-up imaging or MRI according to protocol.

Option by option

A. Request a chest CT
Chest CT does not evaluate wrist injury.
B. Start unrestricted sport
Unrestricted activity can displace an occult fracture.
C. Immobilize and arrange repeat radiographs or advanced imaging if suspicion persists (correct)
Correct. A negative initial radiograph does not reliably exclude an acute scaphoid fracture.
D. Exclude fracture immediately
Clinical suspicion should not be dismissed when early films are normal.

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 C, Immobilize and arrange repeat radiographs or advanced imaging if suspicion persists. Occult scaphoid fractures may not be visible on initial radiographs.

Why is "Request a chest CT" not the answer?

Chest CT does not evaluate wrist injury.

Why is "Start unrestricted sport" not the answer?

Unrestricted activity can displace an occult fracture.

Why is "Exclude fracture immediately" not the answer?

Clinical suspicion should not be dismissed when early films are normal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal radiology: scaphoid fracture in Radiology. Because delayed diagnosis risks nonunion and avascular necrosis, persistent clinical suspicion warrants immobilization and follow-up imaging or MRI according to protocol.

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 Musculoskeletal radiology: scaphoid fracture?

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.