MSK imaging: fibrous dysplasia: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · MSK imaging: fibrous dysplasia

Sample item

A radiograph of the proximal femur in a young adult shows an expansile lesion with a ground-glass matrix and a deformity described as shepherd's crook. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia has a homogeneous ground-glass matrix, well-defined sclerotic margins and may cause varus deformity of the proximal femur. McCune-Albright syndrome is polyostotic disease with café au lait spots and precocious puberty. Malignant transformation is rare.

Option by option

  • A. Fibrous dysplasia (correct)

    Correct. A ground-glass matrix with shepherd's crook deformity is fibrous dysplasia.

  • B. Osteosarcoma

    Osteosarcoma shows aggressive destruction and periosteal reaction.

  • C. Enchondroma

    Enchondroma shows ring-and-arc calcification.

  • D. Paget disease

    Paget disease shows coarse trabeculae and cortical thickening in older patients.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, Fibrous dysplasia. Fibrous dysplasia has a homogeneous ground-glass matrix, well-defined sclerotic margins and may cause varus deformity of the proximal femur.

Why is "Osteosarcoma" not the answer?

Osteosarcoma shows aggressive destruction and periosteal reaction.

Why is "Enchondroma" not the answer?

Enchondroma shows ring-and-arc calcification.

Why is "Paget disease" not the answer?

Paget disease shows coarse trabeculae and cortical thickening in older patients.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: fibrous dysplasia in Radiology. McCune-Albright syndrome is polyostotic disease with café au lait spots and precocious puberty. Malignant transformation is rare.

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 MSK imaging: fibrous dysplasia?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.