Bone tumours: osteochondroma: 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: osteochondroma

Sample item

Which feature of an osteochondroma suggests malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Growth after skeletal maturity with a cartilage cap thicker than 2 cm

Osteochondroma is the commonest benign bone tumour, a cartilage-capped bony outgrowth continuous with the medullary cavity of the host bone. Pain, growth after maturity and a cap over 2 cm in adults suggest malignant change, which is more frequent in multiple hereditary exostoses.

Option by option

  • A. Continuity of its cortex with the host bone

    Cortical and medullary continuity is the diagnostic feature of osteochondroma.

  • B. A thin cartilage cap of a few millimetres in a child

    A thin cap in a child is normal.

  • C. Pedunculated shape directed away from the joint

    A pedunculated shape pointing away from the joint is typical benign morphology.

  • D. Growth after skeletal maturity with a cartilage cap thicker than 2 cm (correct)

    Correct. Growth after maturity and a thick cap suggest chondrosarcoma.

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 Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Growth after skeletal maturity with a cartilage cap thicker than 2 cm. Osteochondroma is the commonest benign bone tumour, a cartilage-capped bony outgrowth continuous with the medullary cavity of the host bone.

Why is "Continuity of its cortex with the host bone" not the answer?

Cortical and medullary continuity is the diagnostic feature of osteochondroma.

Why is "A thin cartilage cap of a few millimetres in a child" not the answer?

A thin cap in a child is normal.

Why is "Pedunculated shape directed away from the joint" not the answer?

A pedunculated shape pointing away from the joint is typical benign morphology.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone tumours: osteochondroma in Orthopaedics. Pain, growth after maturity and a cap over 2 cm in adults suggest malignant change, which is more frequent in multiple hereditary exostoses.

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: osteochondroma?

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.