Musculoskeletal imaging: fracture healing: 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 · Musculoskeletal imaging: fracture healing

Sample item

Which radiographic finding is expected during normal secondary fracture healing?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Progressive callus formation bridging the fracture site

Secondary bone healing proceeds through hematoma, soft callus, hard callus, and remodeling; serial films show increasing callus and eventual cortical bridging. Delayed union requires clinical and imaging correlation.

Option by option

  • A. New intra-articular gas

    Intra-articular gas is not a normal fracture-healing sign.

  • B. Progressive callus formation bridging the fracture site (correct)

    Correct. Bridging callus is a normal healing feature.

  • C. Diffuse osteolysis of the entire limb

    Diffuse osteolysis is abnormal.

  • D. Increasing fracture-gap widening indefinitely

    Persistent widening suggests delayed union or nonunion.

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 B, Progressive callus formation bridging the fracture site. Secondary bone healing proceeds through hematoma, soft callus, hard callus, and remodeling; serial films show increasing callus and eventual cortical bridging.

Why is "New intra-articular gas" not the answer?

Intra-articular gas is not a normal fracture-healing sign.

Why is "Diffuse osteolysis of the entire limb" not the answer?

Diffuse osteolysis is abnormal.

Why is "Increasing fracture-gap widening indefinitely" not the answer?

Persistent widening suggests delayed union or nonunion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal imaging: fracture healing in Radiology. Delayed union requires clinical and imaging correlation.

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 Musculoskeletal imaging: fracture healing?

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.