Hip: MRI double line sign in AVN: 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.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Hip: MRI double line sign in AVN

Sample item

MRI of the hip in a young man on long-term steroids shows a serpiginous margin of the necrotic segment, with a bright inner line and a dark outer line on T2 images. What is this sign?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Double line sign of avascular necrosis

The double line sign is a characteristic MRI finding in avascular necrosis. The outer dark line is reactive sclerosis, and the inner bright line is vascular granulation tissue. It is highly specific and can identify disease before radiographs change.

Option by option

  • A. Bone marrow oedema of transient osteoporosis

    Transient osteoporosis shows diffuse marrow oedema without a serpiginous rim.

  • B. Crescent sign of cartilage loss

    The crescent sign is a radiographic sign of subchondral collapse.

  • C. Shenton line disruption

    Shenton line is a radiographic arc used for hip development and displacement.

  • D. Double line sign of avascular necrosis (correct)

    Correct. A bright inner line within a dark outer rim is the double line sign of AVN.

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.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Double line sign of avascular necrosis. The double line sign is a characteristic MRI finding in avascular necrosis.

Why is "Bone marrow oedema of transient osteoporosis" not the answer?

Transient osteoporosis shows diffuse marrow oedema without a serpiginous rim.

Why is "Crescent sign of cartilage loss" not the answer?

The crescent sign is a radiographic sign of subchondral collapse.

Why is "Shenton line disruption" not the answer?

Shenton line is a radiographic arc used for hip development and displacement.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hip: MRI double line sign in AVN in Orthopaedics. The outer dark line is reactive sclerosis, and the inner bright line is vascular granulation tissue. It is highly specific and can identify disease before radiographs change.

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 Hip: MRI double line sign in AVN?

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.