NEET-PG 2013 Practice Questions

Q: What is considered a poor prognostic indicator in Pott's paraplegia?

Rapid progression of neurological deficits. ***Rapid progression of neurological deficits*** - **Rapid progression** implies severe spinal cord damage occurring quickly, which is less likely to fully recover even with treatment. - This indicates a more aggressive disease process or significant compression that can lead to irreversible neurological impairment. *Healed disease* - **Healed disease** (even if paraplegia existed previously) indicates that the infection is resolved and the destructive process has stopped, allowing for potential neurological recovery or stability. - While residual neurological deficits might remain, the absence of active inflammation improves the long-term prognosis compared to ongoing damage. *Chronic disease* - **Chronic disease** in the context of Pott's paraplegia often refers to established deficits after a prolonged course, but it doesn't necessarily imply ongoing active deterioration. - The chronicity itself, without rapid progression, suggests a more stable state where the damage has already occurred, and further deterioration might be slow or absent. *Active disease* - **Active disease** means the infection is still present and causing bone destruction, which is a concern. - However, if the neurological deficits are not rapidly progressing, there is still a window for treatment to stop the disease and potentially allow for some recovery, distinguishing it from an acute, rapidly deteriorating situation.

Q: How is Brodie's abscess classified?

Chronic osteomyelitis (Brodie's abscess). ***Chronic osteomyelitis (Brodie's abscess)*** - Brodie's abscess is a **subacute or chronic localized osteomyelitis**, characterized by an intraosseous abscess often surrounded by a thick layer of sclerotic bone. - It represents a **contained infection** within the bone, lacking the widespread inflammatory response seen in acute forms. *Acute osteomyelitis* - Characterized by a **rapid onset** of severe pain, fever, and inflammation, usually within days to weeks of infection. - It involves a **widespread inflammatory process** and potential for bone destruction, differentiated from the contained and indolent nature of Brodie's abscess. *Subacute osteomyelitis* - This term describes an osteomyelitis with a more gradual onset and less severe symptoms than acute osteomyelitis, typically lasting several weeks to a few months. - While Brodie's abscess can present subacutely, it is specifically classified as a **form of chronic osteomyelitis** due to its localized, walled-off nature and prolonged course. *Septic arthritis* - Involves an infection within a **joint space**, leading to inflammation and destruction of articular cartilage. - It is distinct from Brodie's abscess, which is an infection of the **bone tissue itself**, not the joint.

Q: Thurston Holland sign is seen in ?

Type II. ***Type II*** - The **Thurston Holland sign** is characteristic of a **Salter-Harris Type II fracture**, often described as a metaphyseal fragment (the "Thurston Holland fragment") remaining attached to the epiphyseal plate. - This fragment typically occurs at the corner of the **metaphysis**, making the fracture line extend obliquely through the physis and then along the metaphysis. *Type I* - A **Salter-Harris Type I fracture** involves a clean horizontal separation through the **growth plate (physis)** without involving the metaphysis or epiphysis. - No metaphyseal fragment is seen in Type I fractures, distinguishing it from the Thurston Holland sign. *Type III* - **Salter-Harris Type III fractures** extend from the **physis into the epiphysis**, creating an intra-articular fracture involving the joint surface. - These fractures do not involve a metaphyseal fragment, as they solely affect the physis and epiphysis. *Type IV* - **Salter-Harris Type IV fractures** involve a fracture line extending through the **epiphysis, physis, and metaphysis**, effectively dividing the bone into three parts. - While complex, Type IV injuries do not specifically describe the characteristic metaphyseal fragment that defines the Thurston Holland sign.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a common fracture in children?

Fracture of hand. ***Fracture of hand*** - While hand fractures can occur in children, they are generally **less common** compared to fractures of the long bones, especially those of the **upper extremity**, due to the types of activities and falls children typically experience. - The small bones of the hand are often better protected or less frequently exposed to severe direct trauma in routine childhood activities that lead to fractures elsewhere. *Lateral condyle humerus* - This is a common and often challenging fracture in children, particularly affecting those aged 6-10 years. - It usually results from a fall on an **outstretched hand**, with the elbow in extension. *Supracondylar humerus* - This is one of the **most common elbow fractures** in children and is typically due to a fall on an **outstretched hand** with the elbow extended or hyperextended. - Its significance lies in the potential for neurovascular complications due to its proximity to vital structures. *Radius-ulna fracture* - **Forearm fractures** involving the radius, ulna, or both are extremely common in children, often resulting from falls onto an **outstretched hand**. - The **distal radius** is a particularly frequent site of fracture in this age group.

Q: What is the most common structural deformity associated with transient synovitis of the hip?

None of the options. ***None of the options:*** - Transient synovitis of the hip is an inflammatory condition that does not inherently cause a **structural deformity** of the hip joint. - While it causes pain and limited range of motion, these are functional rather than structural changes, and the hip joint's **anatomical structure remains intact**. *Abduction* - Abduction is a **movement**, not a structural deformity. Although the hip may be held in a position of slight abduction to relieve pain, this is a postural adaptation, not a permanent structural change. - Hip abduction contractures can occur in various conditions (e.g., neuromuscular disorders) but are not characteristic of transient synovitis. *Flexion* - Similar to abduction, flexion is a **movement**, not a structural deformity. Patients with transient synovitis often hold the hip in a flexed position (along with abduction and external rotation) for comfort to minimize pressure within the joint capsule. - A fixed flexion deformity can be seen in other conditions like septic arthritis or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, but not typically in transient synovitis. *External rotation* - External rotation is also a **movement**, not a structural deformity. Patients may adopt an externally rotated position of the leg to ease pain and reduce intracapsular pressure. - While certain conditions can cause a fixed external rotation (e.g., slipped capital femoral epiphysis), transient synovitis does not lead to this type of structural change.

Q: What splint is used in CTEV after correction?

Dennis Brown splint. ***Dennis Brown splint*** - The **Dennis Brown splint** is specifically designed for maintaining the correction of **clubfoot (CTEV)** in infants to prevent recurrence. - It consists of a bar connecting two shoes that hold the feet in an **external rotation** and **abduction** position. *Bohler-Brown splint* - The **Bohler-Brown splint** is primarily used for the management of **tibial shaft fractures**. - It is a **traction splint** designed to maintain alignment and length of the fractured bone. *Thomas splint* - The **Thomas splint** is typically used for **femoral shaft fractures** to provide traction and reduce muscle spasm. - It is not indicated for the long-term management of clubfoot. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect as the **Dennis Brown splint** is a well-established and a primary splint used for CTEV after correction.

Q: Von-Rosen's sign is positive in which of the following conditions?

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). ***Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)*** - **Von-Rosen's sign** is a clinical test used to detect **instability or dislocation** of the hip in newborns, a hallmark of DDH. - The test involves placing the infant **supine with hips flexed to 90 degrees**, then **externally rotating and abducting** the hips while applying gentle longitudinal traction; positive if abduction is limited to **less than 60 degrees**. *Perthe's disease* - This condition involves **avascular necrosis of the femoral head** in children, typically presenting with a limp and hip pain, not congenital instability. - Diagnosis is usually made by X-rays showing **sclerosis and fragmentation** of the femoral head, not by Von-Rosen's sign. *SCFE* - **Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)** is a condition where the femoral head epiphysis displaces from the femoral neck, common in adolescents. - Patients typically present with **hip or knee pain** and a characteristic external rotation of the affected limb, which is not detected by Von-Rosen's sign. *CTEV* - **Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)**, or **clubfoot**, is a deformity of the foot and ankle, involving plantarflexion and inversion. - This condition affects the foot, not the hip, rendering tests for hip instability like Von-Rosen's sign irrelevant.

Q: Which of the following statements about chronic osteomyelitis is false?

Involucrum is dead bone. ***Involucrum is dead bone*** - This statement is false because the **involucrum** is the layer of **new bone formation** that surrounds a segment of necrotic (dead) bone, known as the **sequestrum**, in chronic osteomyelitis [1]. - The involucrum represents the body's attempt to wall off the infection and dead bone, and thus, it is living, *reactive bone*, not dead bone [1]. *Reactive new bone formation* - This statement is true; **reactive new bone formation** occurs around infected or necrotic bone in chronic osteomyelitis, forming the **involucrum** [1]. - This process is a hallmark of the body's response to chronic infection and attempts to contain it. *Cloaca is an opening in involucrum* - This statement is true; a **cloaca** is a **fistulous tract** or opening in the **involucrum** that allows pus and necrotic debris from the infected area to drain to the skin surface. - This drainage is a common clinical sign of chronic osteomyelitis. *Sequestrum is hard and dense* - This statement is true; the **sequestrum** is a piece of **necrotic (dead) bone** that has become separated from living bone due to ischemia and infection [1]. - Due to the loss of blood supply and avascular necrosis, it appears **dense, hard, and radiodense** on imaging, representing devitalized bone tissue that is walled off from the body's immune response. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissue Tumors, pp. 1197-1198.

Q: All are features of Paget's disease except which of the following?

Affects only axial skeleton. ***Affects only axial skeleton*** - This statement is **FALSE** and therefore the correct answer to this "EXCEPT" question. - Paget's disease **can affect any bone in the body**, including both axial skeleton (spine, skull, pelvis) and appendicular skeleton (femur, tibia, humerus) [1]. - Common sites include: **pelvis (70%), spine, skull, femur, and tibia** [1]. - While it frequently affects axial bones, it is **not exclusive** to them. *Defect in osteoclasts* - This is a TRUE feature of Paget's disease. - The disease is characterized by **abnormal, hyperactive osteoclasts** with increased number of nuclei (up to 100 vs normal 3-5). - These osteoclasts show **excessive bone resorption activity** followed by disorganized bone formation [1]. - The primary defect involves **increased osteoclast activity and sensitivity to RANKL**. *Can lead to hearing loss* - This is a TRUE feature of Paget's disease. - Skull involvement can lead to **compression of cranial nerve VIII** (vestibulocochlear nerve) [1]. - Enlargement and disorganization of temporal bone can cause **conductive or sensorineural hearing loss**. - Occurs in approximately 30-50% of patients with skull involvement. *Can lead to bone cancer* - This is a TRUE feature of Paget's disease. - **Osteosarcoma** develops in approximately **1%** of Paget's disease patients. - Risk is higher in patients with **polyostotic disease** and long-standing involvement. - This is a rare but serious complication with poor prognosis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissue Tumors, pp. 1192-1194.

Q: In which condition is the 'Picture frame vertebra' seen?

Paget disease. ***Paget disease*** - The "picture frame vertebra" sign is a classic radiographic finding in **Paget disease**, characterized by **cortical thickening** and sclerosis around the vertebral body circumference, resembling a picture frame. - This appearance is due to the disordered bone remodeling processes (increased osteoclastic bone resorption followed by disorganized osteoblastic new bone formation) characteristic of Paget disease. *Osteopetrosis (marble bone disease)* - Osteopetrosis is characterized by **increased bone density** due to defective osteoclast function, leading to bones that are dense but brittle. - It does not typically present with the specific "picture frame" appearance of individual vertebrae, but rather with diffuse sclerosis of bones. *Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)* - Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the **axial skeleton**, causing inflammation and eventual fusion of the vertebrae (leading to a "bamboo spine" appearance). - While it involves the spine, it does not produce the "picture frame" vertebral sign seen in Paget disease. *Osteoporosis* - Osteoporosis is characterized by **reduced bone mass** and microstructural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture risk. - Radiographically, it shows **decreased bone density** and possible vertebral compression fractures, which is the opposite of the increased bone density and cortical thickening seen in the "picture frame" sign.

Question 1

What is considered a poor prognostic indicator in Pott's paraplegia?

Accepted Answer

Rapid progression of neurological deficits

Answer

Healed disease

Answer

Chronic disease

Answer

Active disease

Question 2

How is Brodie's abscess classified?

Accepted Answer

Chronic osteomyelitis (Brodie's abscess)

Answer

Acute osteomyelitis

Answer

Subacute osteomyelitis

Answer

Septic arthritis

Question 3

Thurston Holland sign is seen in ?

Accepted Answer

Type II

Answer

Type I

Answer

Type III

Answer

Type IV

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a common fracture in children?

Accepted Answer

Fracture of hand

Answer

Supracondylar humerus

Answer

Radius-ulna fracture

Answer

Lateral condyle humerus

Question 5

What is the most common structural deformity associated with transient synovitis of the hip?

Accepted Answer

None of the options

Answer

Abduction

Answer

Flexion

Answer

External rotation

Question 6

What splint is used in CTEV after correction?

Accepted Answer

Dennis Brown splint

Answer

Bohler-Brown splint

Answer

Thomas splint

Answer

None of the options

Question 7

Von-Rosen's sign is positive in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

Answer

Perthe's disease

Answer

SCFE

Answer

CTEV

Question 8

Which of the following statements about chronic osteomyelitis is false?

Accepted Answer

Involucrum is dead bone

Answer

Reactive new bone formation

Answer

Cloaca is an opening in involucrum

Answer

Sequestrum is hard and dense

Question 9

All are features of Paget's disease except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Affects only axial skeleton

Answer

Defect in osteoclasts

Answer

Can lead to hearing loss

Answer

Can lead to bone cancer

Question 10

In which condition is the 'Picture frame vertebra' seen?

Accepted Answer

Paget disease

Answer

Osteopetrosis (marble bone disease)

Answer

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Answer

Osteoporosis

NEET-PG 2013

Orthopaedics

Pathology

Radiology