Metabolic bone: scurvy: 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 · Metabolic bone: scurvy

Sample item

An infant fed only boiled milk has pain on handling, swollen legs and subperiosteal haemorrhages. Radiographs show a dense sclerotic ring around a lucent epiphysis, with a white line at the metaphysis. What is the epiphyseal ring sign called?

ALooser zoneBWimberger ring sign of scurvyCHarris growth arrest lineDCodman triangle

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Wimberger ring sign of scurvy

In scurvy, defective collagen synthesis from vitamin C deficiency causes a dense ring around the epiphysis (Wimberger sign), a white line of Frankel at the metaphysis and a lucent Trummerfeld zone beneath it, with subperiosteal haemorrhage. Treatment is vitamin C.

Option by option

A. Looser zone
A Looser zone is an osteomalacia pseudofracture.
B. Wimberger ring sign of scurvy (correct)
Correct. A dense epiphyseal ring is the Wimberger sign.
C. Harris growth arrest line
Harris lines are transverse growth arrest lines.
D. Codman triangle
A Codman triangle is a periosteal elevation in tumours.

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 Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, Wimberger ring sign of scurvy. In scurvy, defective collagen synthesis from vitamin C deficiency causes a dense ring around the epiphysis (Wimberger sign), a white line of Frankel at the metaphysis and a lucent Trummerfeld zone beneath it, with subperiosteal haemorrhage.

Why is "Looser zone" not the answer?

A Looser zone is an osteomalacia pseudofracture.

Why is "Harris growth arrest line" not the answer?

Harris lines are transverse growth arrest lines.

Why is "Codman triangle" not the answer?

A Codman triangle is a periosteal elevation in tumours.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Metabolic bone: scurvy in Orthopaedics. Treatment is vitamin C.

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 Metabolic bone: scurvy?

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.