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

What is the radiographic hallmark of osteonecrosis of femoral head?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Subchondral crescent sign

The crescent sign represents subchondral fracture from osteonecrotic bone and may precede femoral-head collapse in avascular necrosis.

Option by option

  • A. Diffuse periosteal reaction

    Periosteal reaction suggests other bone processes.

  • B. Multiple air-fluid levels

    Air-fluid levels are not femoral-head osteonecrosis.

  • C. Subchondral crescent sign (correct)

    Correct: subchondral crescent is classic osteonecrosis.

  • D. Uniform joint-space widening

    Joint space is not widened uniformly.

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.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Subchondral crescent sign. The crescent sign represents subchondral fracture from osteonecrotic bone and may precede femoral-head collapse in avascular necrosis.

Why is "Diffuse periosteal reaction" not the answer?

Periosteal reaction suggests other bone processes.

Why is "Multiple air-fluid levels" not the answer?

Air-fluid levels are not femoral-head osteonecrosis.

Why is "Uniform joint-space widening" not the answer?

Joint space is not widened uniformly.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal imaging in Radiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: subchondral crescent is classic osteonecrosis.

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.