Joints: synovial chondromatosis: 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 · Joints: synovial chondromatosis

Sample item

A man has a locking painful knee with multiple small calcified loose bodies of uniform size on radiograph. What is the likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Synovial osteochondromatosis

Primary synovial chondromatosis is cartilaginous metaplasia of the synovium producing numerous loose bodies of similar size that calcify or ossify. It presents with pain, locking and swelling, and treatment is arthroscopic removal of the loose bodies with synovectomy.

Option by option

  • A. Synovial osteochondromatosis (correct)

    Correct. Numerous uniform loose bodies suggest synovial chondromatosis.

  • B. Neuropathic arthropathy

    Neuropathic arthropathy is painless.

  • C. Pigmented villonodular synovitis

    PVNS does not produce calcified loose bodies.

  • D. Osteochondritis dissecans

    Osteochondritis dissecans typically produces one or few loose bodies.

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, Synovial osteochondromatosis. Primary synovial chondromatosis is cartilaginous metaplasia of the synovium producing numerous loose bodies of similar size that calcify or ossify.

Why is "Neuropathic arthropathy" not the answer?

Neuropathic arthropathy is painless.

Why is "Pigmented villonodular synovitis" not the answer?

PVNS does not produce calcified loose bodies.

Why is "Osteochondritis dissecans" not the answer?

Osteochondritis dissecans typically produces one or few loose bodies.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Joints: synovial chondromatosis in Orthopaedics. It presents with pain, locking and swelling, and treatment is arthroscopic removal of the loose bodies with synovectomy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Joints: synovial chondromatosis?

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.