Joints: Kellgren-Lawrence grading: 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: Kellgren-Lawrence grading

Sample item

In the Kellgren-Lawrence classification of osteoarthritis, which radiographic finding defines grade 3?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Multiple osteophytes, definite joint space narrowing, some sclerosis and possible bony deformity

Kellgren-Lawrence grades range from 0 (normal), 1 (doubtful), 2 (definite osteophytes with possible narrowing), 3 (moderate multiple osteophytes with definite narrowing and some sclerosis) to 4 (large osteophytes, marked narrowing, severe sclerosis and deformity).

Option by option

  • A. Doubtful narrowing with possible osteophyte

    This describes grade 1.

  • B. Large osteophytes, marked narrowing, severe sclerosis and definite bony deformity

    This describes grade 4.

  • C. Multiple osteophytes, definite joint space narrowing, some sclerosis and possible bony deformity (correct)

    Correct. This is grade 3.

  • D. Definite osteophytes with no joint space narrowing

    This describes grade 2.

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 C, Multiple osteophytes, definite joint space narrowing, some sclerosis and possible bony deformity. Kellgren-Lawrence grades range from 0 (normal), 1 (doubtful), 2 (definite osteophytes with possible narrowing), 3 (moderate multiple osteophytes with definite narrowing and some sclerosis) to 4 (large osteophytes, marked narrowing, severe sclerosis and deformity).

Why is "Doubtful narrowing with possible osteophyte" not the answer?

This describes grade 1.

Why is "Large osteophytes, marked narrowing, severe sclerosis and definite bo…" not the answer?

This describes grade 4.

Why is "Definite osteophytes with no joint space narrowing" not the answer?

This describes grade 2.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Joints: Kellgren-Lawrence grading in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct. This is grade 3.

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: Kellgren-Lawrence grading?

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.