Spine imaging: grading spondylolisthesis: 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 · Spine imaging: grading spondylolisthesis

Sample item

A lateral lumbar radiograph shows L5 slipped forward on S1 by about 30 percent of the width of the S1 endplate. Using the Meyerding classification, which grade is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Grade II

The Meyerding grades divide slip into quarters: grade I up to 25 percent, grade II 25 to 50, grade III 50 to 75 and grade IV above 75, with grade V being complete displacement. A slip of 30 percent is therefore grade II.

Option by option

  • A. Grade II (correct)

    Correct. 25 to 50 percent slip is grade II.

  • B. Grade III

    Grade III is 50 to 75 percent.

  • C. Grade V

    Grade V is spondyloptosis, complete displacement.

  • D. Grade I

    Grade I is up to 25 percent.

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 A, Grade II. The Meyerding grades divide slip into quarters: grade I up to 25 percent, grade II 25 to 50, grade III 50 to 75 and grade IV above 75, with grade V being complete displacement.

Why is "Grade III" not the answer?

Grade III is 50 to 75 percent.

Why is "Grade V" not the answer?

Grade V is spondyloptosis, complete displacement.

Why is "Grade I" not the answer?

Grade I is up to 25 percent.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine imaging: grading spondylolisthesis in Radiology. A slip of 30 percent is therefore grade II.

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 imaging: grading spondylolisthesis?

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.