Musculoskeletal imaging: septic arthritis: 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: septic arthritis

Sample item

What is the preferred imaging modality to detect a hip joint effusion in a child with suspected septic arthritis?

AUltrasoundBDEXA scanCMammographyDPlain skull radiograph

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is sensitive for hip effusion and can guide aspiration in suspected septic arthritis. A normal radiograph does not exclude early joint infection.

Option by option

A. Ultrasound (correct)
Correct. Ultrasound rapidly detects fluid in the hip joint.
B. DEXA scan
DEXA measures bone mineral density.
C. Mammography
Mammography images breast tissue.
D. Plain skull radiograph
Skull radiography is unrelated.

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 A, Ultrasound. Ultrasound is sensitive for hip effusion and can guide aspiration in suspected septic arthritis.

Why is "DEXA scan" not the answer?

DEXA measures bone mineral density.

Why is "Mammography" not the answer?

Mammography images breast tissue.

Why is "Plain skull radiograph" not the answer?

Skull radiography is unrelated.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal imaging: septic arthritis in Radiology. A normal radiograph does not exclude early joint infection.

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: septic arthritis?

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.