Musculoskeletal imaging: osteomyelitis: 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.

Try it

Radiology · Musculoskeletal imaging: osteomyelitis

Sample item

Which imaging modality is most sensitive for early osteomyelitis and marrow edema?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. MRI

MRI is highly sensitive for early marrow edema, soft-tissue extension, abscess, and osteomyelitis extent. Plain radiographs may remain normal early in the disease.

Option by option

  • A. Plain radiograph only

    Radiographs can miss early osteomyelitis.

  • B. Fluoroscopy only

    Fluoroscopy is not the primary modality for marrow infection.

  • C. MRI (correct)

    Correct. MRI best depicts early marrow involvement.

  • D. Barium enema

    Barium enema examines the colon.

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, MRI. MRI is highly sensitive for early marrow edema, soft-tissue extension, abscess, and osteomyelitis extent.

Why is "Plain radiograph only" not the answer?

Radiographs can miss early osteomyelitis.

Why is "Fluoroscopy only" not the answer?

Fluoroscopy is not the primary modality for marrow infection.

Why is "Barium enema" not the answer?

Barium enema examines the colon.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal imaging: osteomyelitis in Radiology. Plain radiographs may remain normal early in the disease.

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: osteomyelitis?

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.