Bone tumours: bone scan in osteoid osteoma: 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.

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Orthopaedics · Bone tumours: bone scan in osteoid osteoma

Sample item

A technetium bone scan of a patient with night pain and a small radiolucent nidus shows intense central uptake surrounded by less intense uptake. What is this sign called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Double density sign

The double density sign is a focus of intense uptake at the nidus within a halo of reactive sclerosis with moderate uptake, and it is characteristic of osteoid osteoma. Treatment is CT-guided radiofrequency ablation or surgical excision of the nidus.

Option by option

  • A. Fallen fragment sign

    The fallen fragment sign is a radiographic feature of a simple bone cyst.

  • B. Cold spot sign

    A cold spot indicates absent uptake.

  • C. Hot cross bun sign

    The hot cross bun sign is seen on skull radiographs in congenital syphilis.

  • D. Double density sign (correct)

    Correct. This is the double density sign.

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 Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Double density sign. The double density sign is a focus of intense uptake at the nidus within a halo of reactive sclerosis with moderate uptake, and it is characteristic of osteoid osteoma.

Why is "Fallen fragment sign" not the answer?

The fallen fragment sign is a radiographic feature of a simple bone cyst.

Why is "Cold spot sign" not the answer?

A cold spot indicates absent uptake.

Why is "Hot cross bun sign" not the answer?

The hot cross bun sign is seen on skull radiographs in congenital syphilis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone tumours: bone scan in osteoid osteoma in Orthopaedics. Treatment is CT-guided radiofrequency ablation or surgical excision of the nidus.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Bone tumours: bone scan in osteoid osteoma?

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.