Musculoskeletal imaging: healing rickets: 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: healing rickets

Sample item

A child with rickets is started on vitamin D and calcium. Which radiographic change is the earliest sign of healing?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. A new dense line of provisional calcification at the metaphysis

The first sign of healing in rickets is the reappearance of a thin, dense line of provisional calcification at the metaphyseal margin, usually within a few weeks. Cupping, widening and bowing resolve more slowly.

Option by option

  • A. Narrowing of the widened growth plate

    The growth plate narrows only after the calcification line has formed and bone has mineralised.

  • B. Disappearance of metaphyseal cupping

    Cupping resolves later as the metaphysis remodels, not as the first sign.

  • C. A new dense line of provisional calcification at the metaphysis (correct)

    Correct. A new dense provisional zone of calcification at the metaphysis is the earliest radiographic evidence of healing.

  • D. Straightening of the bowed tibiae

    Bowing takes months to correct and may need orthopaedic management.

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, A new dense line of provisional calcification at the metaphysis. The first sign of healing in rickets is the reappearance of a thin, dense line of provisional calcification at the metaphyseal margin, usually within a few weeks.

Why is "Narrowing of the widened growth plate" not the answer?

The growth plate narrows only after the calcification line has formed and bone has mineralised.

Why is "Disappearance of metaphyseal cupping" not the answer?

Cupping resolves later as the metaphysis remodels, not as the first sign.

Why is "Straightening of the bowed tibiae" not the answer?

Bowing takes months to correct and may need orthopaedic management.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal imaging: healing rickets in Radiology. Cupping, widening and bowing resolve more slowly.

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: healing rickets?

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.