Paediatric imaging: transient synovitis of the hip: 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 · Paediatric imaging: transient synovitis of the hip

Sample item

A 5-year-old has a limp and mild hip pain after a viral illness. He is afebrile and walks. Ultrasound shows a small hip joint effusion. What is the role of ultrasound in this setting?

AIt excludes septic arthritisBIt confirms an effusion but cannot separate transient synovitis from septic arthritis, so clinical and laboratory features guide aspirationCIt proves that the effusion is sterileDIt shows the cause as Perthes disease

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. It confirms an effusion but cannot separate transient synovitis from septic arthritis, so clinical and laboratory features guide aspiration

Ultrasound is sensitive for hip effusion but does not tell whether the fluid is infected. Fever, raised inflammatory markers and inability to bear weight raise the probability of septic arthritis and prompt aspiration. A well child with mild signs can be observed.

Option by option

A. It excludes septic arthritis
A small effusion does not exclude infection.
B. It confirms an effusion but cannot separate transient synovitis from septic arthritis, so clinical and laboratory features guide aspiration (correct)
Correct. Ultrasound shows fluid but not its nature.
C. It proves that the effusion is sterile
Ultrasound cannot prove sterility.
D. It shows the cause as Perthes disease
Perthes disease is diagnosed on radiographs or MRI.

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.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, It confirms an effusion but cannot separate transient synovitis from septic arthritis, so clinical and laboratory features guide aspiration. Ultrasound is sensitive for hip effusion but does not tell whether the fluid is infected.

Why is "It excludes septic arthritis" not the answer?

A small effusion does not exclude infection.

Why is "It proves that the effusion is sterile" not the answer?

Ultrasound cannot prove sterility.

Why is "It shows the cause as Perthes disease" not the answer?

Perthes disease is diagnosed on radiographs or MRI.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric imaging: transient synovitis of the hip in Radiology. Fever, raised inflammatory markers and inability to bear weight raise the probability of septic arthritis and prompt aspiration. A well child with mild signs can be observed.

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 Paediatric imaging: transient synovitis of the hip?

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.