Spine: spondylolysis: 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 · Spine: spondylolysis

Sample item

A young fast bowler has chronic low back pain on extension. An oblique lumbar radiograph shows a collar on the Scotty dog. What does this mean?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. A pars interarticularis defect (spondylolysis)

On an oblique lumbar radiograph the posterior elements form a Scotty dog, and the pars interarticularis forms the neck. A defect is seen as a collar on the dog's neck and signifies spondylolysis, a stress fracture common in fast bowlers and gymnasts.

Option by option

  • A. A pars interarticularis defect (spondylolysis) (correct)

    Correct. A collar on the neck indicates a pars defect.

  • B. Facet joint dislocation

    Facet dislocation is not seen on the Scotty dog as a collar.

  • C. A transverse process fracture

    A transverse process fracture would affect the dog's nose.

  • D. A normal finding

    The defect is abnormal.

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 Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, A pars interarticularis defect (spondylolysis). On an oblique lumbar radiograph the posterior elements form a Scotty dog, and the pars interarticularis forms the neck.

Why is "Facet joint dislocation" not the answer?

Facet dislocation is not seen on the Scotty dog as a collar.

Why is "A transverse process fracture" not the answer?

A transverse process fracture would affect the dog's nose.

Why is "A normal finding" not the answer?

The defect is abnormal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine: spondylolysis in Orthopaedics. A defect is seen as a collar on the dog's neck and signifies spondylolysis, a stress fracture common in fast bowlers and gymnasts.

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 Spine: spondylolysis?

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.