Musculoskeletal imaging: 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 imaging

Sample item

Which MRI finding supports osteomyelitis before radiographic change?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Marrow oedema on fluid-sensitive sequence

MRI detects early marrow oedema and soft-tissue extension in osteomyelitis before plain radiographs show destructive bone change.

Option by option

  • A. Normal joint-space width

    Joint-space width does not diagnose bone infection.

  • B. Meniscal calcification

    Meniscal calcification has another cause.

  • C. Marrow oedema on fluid-sensitive sequence (correct)

    Correct: marrow oedema is an early sensitive MRI feature.

  • D. Cortical sclerosis only

    Sclerosis is often later or chronic.

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 C, Marrow oedema on fluid-sensitive sequence. MRI detects early marrow oedema and soft-tissue extension in osteomyelitis before plain radiographs show destructive bone change.

Why is "Normal joint-space width" not the answer?

Joint-space width does not diagnose bone infection.

Why is "Meniscal calcification" not the answer?

Meniscal calcification has another cause.

Why is "Cortical sclerosis only" not the answer?

Sclerosis is often later or chronic.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal imaging in Radiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: marrow oedema is an early sensitive MRI feature.

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 imaging?

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.