MSK imaging: scurvy: 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: scurvy

Sample item

An infant on boiled milk feeds has pain and refuses to move the legs. The radiograph shows ground-glass osteopenia, a dense zone of provisional calcification at the metaphysis (white line of Frankel) and a ring-shaped epiphysis (Wimberger ring). What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Scurvy

Vitamin C deficiency impairs collagen synthesis, causing subperiosteal haemorrhage, osteopenia, a dense white line of Frankel and a lucent zone beneath it (Trummerfeld zone). The Wimberger ring surrounds the epiphysis. Rickets, in contrast, shows widened, cupped metaphyses.

Option by option

  • A. Osteogenesis imperfecta

    Osteogenesis imperfecta shows fractures with blue sclerae.

  • B. Child abuse

    Child abuse shows metaphyseal corner fractures and multiple injuries at different stages.

  • C. Rickets

    Rickets shows widened physes and cupping.

  • D. Scurvy (correct)

    Correct. Frankel line and Wimberger ring with osteopenia are classic for scurvy.

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 D, Scurvy. Vitamin C deficiency impairs collagen synthesis, causing subperiosteal haemorrhage, osteopenia, a dense white line of Frankel and a lucent zone beneath it (Trummerfeld zone).

Why is "Osteogenesis imperfecta" not the answer?

Osteogenesis imperfecta shows fractures with blue sclerae.

Why is "Child abuse" not the answer?

Child abuse shows metaphyseal corner fractures and multiple injuries at different stages.

Why is "Rickets" not the answer?

Rickets shows widened physes and cupping.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: scurvy in Radiology. The Wimberger ring surrounds the epiphysis. Rickets, in contrast, shows widened, cupped metaphyses.

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: scurvy?

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.