Spine: 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 · Spine

Sample item

A 13-year-old girl has a rib hump on forward bending and an asymmetrical waist. Which radiographic measurement is used to quantify the spinal curve?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cobb angle

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is detected by the Adams forward bend test and confirmed on a standing radiograph. The Cobb angle, measured between the most tilted end vertebrae, quantifies the curve, and a value above 10 degrees defines scoliosis.

Option by option

  • A. Cobb angle (correct)

    The Cobb angle measures the magnitude of the curve between its end vertebrae.

  • B. Hilgenreiner's angle

    Hilgenreiner's line is a reference line for assessing hip dysplasia and does not measure spinal curves.

  • C. Risser sign

    The Risser sign grades skeletal maturity by iliac apophysis ossification and does not measure the curve.

  • D. Boehler's angle

    Boehler's angle is measured on the calcaneus in a heel fracture.

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, Cobb angle. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is detected by the Adams forward bend test and confirmed on a standing radiograph.

Why is "Hilgenreiner's angle" not the answer?

Hilgenreiner's line is a reference line for assessing hip dysplasia and does not measure spinal curves.

Why is "Risser sign" not the answer?

The Risser sign grades skeletal maturity by iliac apophysis ossification and does not measure the curve.

Why is "Boehler's angle" not the answer?

Boehler's angle is measured on the calcaneus in a heel fracture.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine in Orthopaedics. The Cobb angle, measured between the most tilted end vertebrae, quantifies the curve, and a value above 10 degrees defines scoliosis.

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 Spine?

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.