Joints: psoriatic arthritis: 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 · Joints: psoriatic arthritis

Sample item

Which radiographic feature is characteristic of psoriatic arthritis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Pencil-in-cup deformity with DIP involvement

Psoriatic arthritis often affects the DIP joints and produces erosions with proliferation, giving a pencil-in-cup deformity, with dactylitis and nail pitting. Other features include asymmetric oligoarthritis and sacroiliitis.

Option by option

  • A. Chondrocalcinosis of the menisci

    Chondrocalcinosis is seen with calcium pyrophosphate disease.

  • B. Pencil-in-cup deformity with DIP involvement (correct)

    Correct. Pencil-in-cup deformity is typical.

  • C. Bamboo spine alone

    A bamboo spine is typical of ankylosing spondylitis.

  • D. Symmetric periarticular osteopenia of MCP joints

    Periarticular osteopenia of MCP joints is typical of rheumatoid arthritis.

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 B, Pencil-in-cup deformity with DIP involvement. Psoriatic arthritis often affects the DIP joints and produces erosions with proliferation, giving a pencil-in-cup deformity, with dactylitis and nail pitting.

Why is "Chondrocalcinosis of the menisci" not the answer?

Chondrocalcinosis is seen with calcium pyrophosphate disease.

Why is "Bamboo spine alone" not the answer?

A bamboo spine is typical of ankylosing spondylitis.

Why is "Symmetric periarticular osteopenia of MCP joints" not the answer?

Periarticular osteopenia of MCP joints is typical of rheumatoid arthritis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Joints: psoriatic arthritis in Orthopaedics. Other features include asymmetric oligoarthritis and sacroiliitis.

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 Joints: psoriatic arthritis?

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.