MSK imaging: scaphoid fracture: 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 · MSK imaging: scaphoid fracture

Sample item

After a fall on an outstretched hand, a patient has anatomical snuffbox tenderness, but wrist radiographs are normal. What is the next step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Immobilise in a thumb spica and obtain MRI or repeat imaging in 10 to 14 days

An initial radiograph can miss scaphoid fractures, and missed fractures lead to nonunion and avascular necrosis of the proximal pole. MRI is the most sensitive early test. Immobilisation is continued until fracture is excluded.

Option by option

  • A. Surgical exploration

    Surgery is not warranted without confirmation.

  • B. Immobilise in a thumb spica and obtain MRI or repeat imaging in 10 to 14 days (correct)

    Correct. Treat as a fracture and re-image with MRI or a repeat film.

  • C. Bone scan the same day only

    A bone scan is less specific and is not done immediately.

  • D. Discharge without follow-up

    Discharge risks nonunion and AVN.

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, Immobilise in a thumb spica and obtain MRI or repeat imaging in 10 to 14 days. An initial radiograph can miss scaphoid fractures, and missed fractures lead to nonunion and avascular necrosis of the proximal pole.

Why is "Surgical exploration" not the answer?

Surgery is not warranted without confirmation.

Why is "Bone scan the same day only" not the answer?

A bone scan is less specific and is not done immediately.

Why is "Discharge without follow-up" not the answer?

Discharge risks nonunion and AVN.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: scaphoid fracture in Radiology. MRI is the most sensitive early test. Immobilisation is continued until fracture is excluded.

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 MSK imaging: scaphoid fracture?

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.