Bone tumours: why aspirin relieves osteoid osteoma: practice question

A Orthopaedics 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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Orthopaedics · Bone tumours: why aspirin relieves osteoid osteoma

Sample item

A teenager with an osteoid osteoma has night pain that is relieved dramatically by aspirin. What explains this response?

AAspirin reduces osteoclast number in the nidusBThe nidus produces prostaglandins, whose synthesis aspirin blocksCAspirin shrinks the sclerotic reactive boneDAspirin acts as a central analgesic acting on the spinal cord

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. The nidus produces prostaglandins, whose synthesis aspirin blocks

The nidus of an osteoid osteoma contains high levels of cyclo-oxygenase and prostaglandins, which sensitise the nerve fibres in the lesion. Aspirin and other NSAIDs block prostaglandin synthesis and relieve pain, and the response supports the diagnosis.

Option by option

A. Aspirin reduces osteoclast number in the nidus
Aspirin does not shrink the nidus by reducing osteoclasts.
B. The nidus produces prostaglandins, whose synthesis aspirin blocks (correct)
Correct. Cyclo-oxygenase inhibition lowers the prostaglandins produced by the nidus.
C. Aspirin shrinks the sclerotic reactive bone
The sclerosis is reactive bone and is not reversed by aspirin.
D. Aspirin acts as a central analgesic acting on the spinal cord
Pain relief here is not a central spinal effect, which is why simple analgesics are less effective.

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 Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, The nidus produces prostaglandins, whose synthesis aspirin blocks. The nidus of an osteoid osteoma contains high levels of cyclo-oxygenase and prostaglandins, which sensitise the nerve fibres in the lesion.

Why is "Aspirin reduces osteoclast number in the nidus" not the answer?

Aspirin does not shrink the nidus by reducing osteoclasts.

Why is "Aspirin shrinks the sclerotic reactive bone" not the answer?

The sclerosis is reactive bone and is not reversed by aspirin.

Why is "Aspirin acts as a central analgesic acting on the spinal cord" not the answer?

Pain relief here is not a central spinal effect, which is why simple analgesics are less effective.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone tumours: why aspirin relieves osteoid osteoma in Orthopaedics. Aspirin and other NSAIDs block prostaglandin synthesis and relieve pain, and the response supports the diagnosis.

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 Bone tumours: why aspirin relieves osteoid osteoma?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics 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.