Metabolic bone: heterotopic ossification: 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 · Metabolic bone: heterotopic ossification

Sample item

Which measure is used to prevent heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty in high-risk patients?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. NSAIDs such as indomethacin or low-dose radiotherapy

Heterotopic ossification is formation of lamellar bone in soft tissue, common after hip surgery, head injury, spinal cord injury and burns. Prophylaxis with NSAIDs or a single dose of radiotherapy reduces risk. Alkaline phosphatase rises early, and surgery is delayed until maturity.

Option by option

  • A. NSAIDs such as indomethacin or low-dose radiotherapy (correct)

    Correct. NSAIDs or low-dose radiotherapy are used.

  • B. Calcium supplements

    Calcium supplementation has no preventive role.

  • C. Vigorous passive stretching

    Vigorous stretching can worsen it.

  • D. Immobilisation of the hip for 6 weeks

    Immobilisation does not help and promotes stiffness.

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 A, NSAIDs such as indomethacin or low-dose radiotherapy. Heterotopic ossification is formation of lamellar bone in soft tissue, common after hip surgery, head injury, spinal cord injury and burns.

Why is "Calcium supplements" not the answer?

Calcium supplementation has no preventive role.

Why is "Vigorous passive stretching" not the answer?

Vigorous stretching can worsen it.

Why is "Immobilisation of the hip for 6 weeks" not the answer?

Immobilisation does not help and promotes stiffness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Metabolic bone: heterotopic ossification in Orthopaedics. Prophylaxis with NSAIDs or a single dose of radiotherapy reduces risk. Alkaline phosphatase rises early, and surgery is delayed until maturity.

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 Metabolic bone: heterotopic ossification?

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.