Musculoskeletal imaging: burst fracture: 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: burst fracture

Sample item

After a fall from height, a lateral radiograph shows loss of height of the L1 body with the posterior cortex displaced backwards. Which test best shows the extent of bony retropulsion into the spinal canal?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. CT of the lumbar spine

CT best depicts the bony anatomy of a burst fracture, including retropulsed fragments and canal compromise. MRI is added when neurological deficit or ligamentous and cord injury is suspected.

Option by option

  • A. CT of the lumbar spine (correct)

    Correct. CT shows fracture fragments and canal narrowing in detail.

  • B. DEXA scan

    DEXA measures bone density and has no role in acute fractures.

  • C. Bone scan

    A bone scan lacks spatial detail and cannot quantify canal narrowing.

  • D. Ultrasound of the spine

    Ultrasound cannot penetrate the vertebral body in an adult.

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.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, CT of the lumbar spine. CT best depicts the bony anatomy of a burst fracture, including retropulsed fragments and canal compromise.

Why is "DEXA scan" not the answer?

DEXA measures bone density and has no role in acute fractures.

Why is "Bone scan" not the answer?

A bone scan lacks spatial detail and cannot quantify canal narrowing.

Why is "Ultrasound of the spine" not the answer?

Ultrasound cannot penetrate the vertebral body in an adult.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal imaging: burst fracture in Radiology. MRI is added when neurological deficit or ligamentous and cord injury is suspected.

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: burst fracture?

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.