Musculoskeletal imaging: meniscal tear on MRI: 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: meniscal tear on MRI

Sample item

A sagittal proton-density knee MRI shows a linear high-signal band in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus that reaches the superior articular surface. How is this classified?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. A meniscal tear

Intrameniscal signal that reaches an articular surface on at least one image is a tear (grade 3). Signal confined within the meniscus is degeneration (grades 1 and 2).

Option by option

  • A. Normal intrameniscal degeneration

    Degenerative signal remains within the meniscus without reaching the articular surface.

  • B. A discoid meniscus

    A discoid meniscus is a morphological variant with a thick, broad meniscus, not a linear surface-reaching signal.

  • C. A parameniscal cyst

    A parameniscal cyst is a separate fluid collection adjacent to the meniscus, usually next to a horizontal tear.

  • D. A meniscal tear (correct)

    Correct. Signal that extends to an articular surface defines a meniscal tear.

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 D, A meniscal tear. Intrameniscal signal that reaches an articular surface on at least one image is a tear (grade 3).

Why is "Normal intrameniscal degeneration" not the answer?

Degenerative signal remains within the meniscus without reaching the articular surface.

Why is "A discoid meniscus" not the answer?

A discoid meniscus is a morphological variant with a thick, broad meniscus, not a linear surface-reaching signal.

Why is "A parameniscal cyst" not the answer?

A parameniscal cyst is a separate fluid collection adjacent to the meniscus, usually next to a horizontal tear.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Musculoskeletal imaging: meniscal tear on MRI in Radiology. Signal confined within the meniscus is degeneration (grades 1 and 2).

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: meniscal tear on MRI?

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.