MSK Flashcards
- Which of the following are correct regarding intra-articular osteoid osteoma:
(a) Most commonly affects the hip.
(b) Typically presents with nocturnal pain.
(c) The radiolucent nidus is surrounded by extensive reactive sclerosis.
(d) MRI is more specific than CT in detecting the nidus.
(e) Plain radiograph have a sensitivity exceeding 90% in detecting the nidus
Answer:
(a) Correct
(b) Not correct
(c) Not correct
(d) Not correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
Nocturnal pain is a feature of long bone osteoid osteoma and not of intra-articular lesions. It is also less responsive to
NSAIDs.
Extensivereactive sclerosis surrounding the nidusis a feature of long bone lesion and not of intra-articular lesion.
Nidus is often overlooked on radiographs. MRI is more sensitive than CT in detecting the nidus, however CT is more
specific. MRI is sensitive as it is highly sensitive in demonstrating perilesional edema.
- Typical feature of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) include:
(a) Loss of bone density on plain film.
(b) A dense joint effusion on plain film.
(c) “blooming artefact” on gradient echo MR sequences.
(d) Well defined erosions with preservation of joint space.
(e) Soft tissue calcification on plain film.
Answer:
(a) Not correct
(b) Correct
(c) Correct
(d) Correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
PVNS represents part of a disease spectrum that includes diffuse and localized form of giant cell tumour of the tendon
sheath to the more diffuse intra-articular form that is PVNS. Thus it is characterized by synovial proliferation and
hemosiderin deposits. Hence, bone density is maintained and dense joint effusion is seen.
Soft tissue calcification is uncommon in PVNS
- Which of the following are correct regarding ankylosing spondylitis:
(a) The hip joints are involved in more than 20% of patients.
(b) 90 % of patients exhibit HLA-B27 antigen.
(c) Romanus lesions are seen in end-stage disease.
(d) Syndesmophytes are the result of ossification of the annulus fibrosus.
(e) Peripheral arthropathy is most common in the upper limbs.
Answer:
(a) Correct
(b) Correct
(c) Not correct
(d) Correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
Romanus lesions are seen in early stages of disease and consist of inflammation at the site of anterior longitudinal
ligament attachment to vertebrae and discs giving rise to erosions at discovertebral junction.
Extraspinal manifestations include enthesopathy and peripheral arthropathy favouring the lower limbs. Iritis, aortic
insufficiency and pulmonary fibrosis are extraskeletal manifestations of Ankylosing spondylitis
- Which of the following are correct regarding popliteal (Baker’s) cysts:
(a) Are commonly associated with meniscal pathology in adults.
(b) Are frequently associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
(c) Ultrasound can differentiate Baker’s cysts from popliteal aneurysms and ganglion cysts.
(d) Typically extends posteriorly between the tendons of semimembranosus and the medial head of gastrocnemius.
(e) Calcified loose bodies are a recognized complication.
Answer:
(a) Correct
(b) Correct
(c) Correct
(d) Correct
(e) Correct
Explanation:
Popliteal cysts are fluid filled synovial lined bursa in the popliteal fossa communication with the knee joint. They are
generally located at or below the joint line. Majority of them are incidental findings. Acute rupture of Baker’s cyst
resembles DVT in clinical presentation.
- The following tendons / ligaments attach to the named bony prominence:
(a) Lesser tuberosity of the humerus – infraspinatus tendon.
(b) Anterior superior iliac spine – tendon.
(c) Medial epicondyle of the humerus – extensor tendon origin.
(d) Inferior pole of patella – quadriceps tendon.
(e) Tibial eminence – anterior cruciate ligament
Answer:
(a) Not correct
(b) Correct
(c) Not correct
(d) Correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
Supraspinatus tendon attaches to lesser tuberosity of the humerus. The infraspinatus tendon attaches to greater
tuberosity of humerus.
Flexor tendon origin is at medial epicondyle of humerus and extensor tendon origin is from lateral epicondyle of
humerus.
The quadriceps tendon attaches to the superior pole of patella and patellar ligament attaches to the inferior pole of
patella.
- Which of the following are correct regarding giant cell tumours of bone (GCT):
(a) Are typically subarticular in location.
(b) Metastasise in less than 10% of cases.
(c) Most commonly occur in the proximal humerus.
(d) Spinal GCTs affect primarily the posterior elements.
(e) Periosteal reaction is seen in 60-80% of cases
Answer:
(a) Correct
(b) Correct
(c) Not correct
(d) Not correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
Most common location of GCT is around knee joint (50%-65%) with distal femur accounting for 23%-30% cases.
Proximal humerus accounts for 4-8% of the cases of GCT.
Spinal GCT primarily affects the vertebral bodies with extension into the posterior elements. Vertebral body collapse
is a frequent finding.
Periosteal reaction is uncommon seen on radiograph only in 10-30% cases. Cortical penetration is however seen in
33-50% cases with associated soft tissue mass.
- Which of the following are correct regarding synovial osteochondromatosis:
(a) Most commonly affects the joints of the hands.
(b) Typically presents with a painless swollen joints.
(c) Intra-articular nodules can be hyper-intense on T2W.
(d) Calcification is absent in 25-30% of patients.
(e) Chondrosarcoma is a complication
Answer:
(a) Not correct
(b) Not correct
(c) Correct
(d) Correct
(e) Correct
Explanation:
It is a benign monoarticular disorder of unknown etiology. It is more common in men usually presenting in 3rd-5th
decade. Large joints like knee, hip, shoulder and elbow are commonly involved. However smaller joints like TM
joint, AC joint and interphalangeal joint can also be involved.
It presents with joint pain, swelling and restriction of movement
- Which of the following are correct regarding calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD):
(a) Haemochromatosis is a cause.
(b) Most commonly affects the small joints of the hand.
(c) Hyaline cartilage calcification is typically thick and irregular.
(d) Subchondral cyst formation is a typical feature.
(e) Destructive arthropathy is a rare manifestation.
Answer:
(a) Correct
(b) Not correct
(c) Not correct
(d) Correct
(e) Correct
Explanation:
CPPD associated acute arthritis is known as pseudogout. 50% cases affect the knee joint. Other locations are hip,
shoulder, elbow and wrist joint. Changes are usually bilateral and symmetrical.
Fibrocartilage calcification is typically coarse and irregular. Hyaline cartilage calcification is typically fine and
linear following the contour of underlying bone.
- The following MRI features favour a spinal metastatic fracture rather than an osteoporotic collapse:
(a) Convex posterior border of the vertebral body.
(b) Diffuse paraspinal mass.
(c) Abnormal signal in the neural arch.
(d) Low signal intensity band on T1W MRI.
(e) Areas of normal marrow signal vertebral body
Answer:
(a) Correct
(b) Not correct
(c) Correct
(d) Not correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
Diffuse paraspinal mass is not helpful in differentiating between metastatic and osteoporotic collapse. However focal
paraspinal mass is seen more frequently with metastatic collapse.
Low signal intensity band on T1WI and T2WI is more common in osteoporotic collapse (93%) than in metastatic
collapse (44%).
Spared normal marrow signal in a vertebral body is highly suggestive of osteoporotic collapse
- Which of the following are correct regarding MRI of osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) of the femoral
head:
(a) Focal areas of low signal on T1W MRI suggest an alternative diagnosis.
(b) The “double line sign (adjacent high and low intensity line on T2W MRI) is virtually diagnostic.
(c) Fractures typically appear as low signal intensity lines on T1W images.
(d) Intravenous contrast should be administered routinely.
(e) MRI is less sensitive than isotope bone scan in making the diagnosis
Answer:
(a) Not correct
(b) Correct
(c) Correct
(d) Not correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
Focal areas of homogeneous or inhomogeneous low signal on T1WI are commonly found.
Contrast enhancement differentiates hypervascularized viable tissue from hypovascularized necrotic tissue. However
it is not routinely done as it can be differentiated on other sequences.
Isotope bone scan has a sensitivity of 80-85% and MRI has a sensitivity of 90-100%.
- Which of the following are correct regarding Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in children:
(a) Peak incidence occurs at 10-15 years of age.
(b) The axial skeleton is spared in the majority of cases.
(c) In chronic LCH, bony lesions typically have an aggressive osteolytic pattern.
(d) Vertebra plana is most commonly seen in the lumbar spine.
(e) A bevelled edge appearance is characteristic of skull lesions
Answer:
(a) Not correct
(b) Not correct
(c) Not correct
(d) Not correct
(e) Correct
Explanation:
In children peak incidence of LCH is 1-4 years of age with presentation ranging from newborns to 15 years of age. It
involves any bone but more than 50% cases involve the axial skeleton. Of the long bones diaphysis of femur, tibia and
humerus are commonly involved.
Appearance of lesion depends on phase of the disease and site of involvement. In early stage lesions are aggressive
with osteolytic pattern, appear permeative with wide zone of transition and lamellated periosteal reaction.
In paediatric spine thoracic vertebrae are more commonly involved (54%) followed by lumbar (35%). The body is
affected more than posterior elements
- Which of the following are correct regarding trauma to the upper limb:
(a) Non-or delayed union of humeral fracture is common.
(b) Bilateral shoulder dislocations are usually anterior.
(c) A fixed, abducted arm on shoulder X-ray is consistent with luxatio erecta.
(d) Humeral shaft fractures are associated with axillary nerve injury.
(e) The brachial artery is injured in 1-5% of humeral shaft fractures.
Answer:
(a) Not correct
(b) Not correct
(c) Correct
(d) Not correct
(e) Correct
Explanation:
Non-union or delayed union of humeral fracture is rare and occurs in cases secondary to excessive distraction of
fracture fragments.
Bilateral shoulder dislocation is rare and is usually posterior, mainly due to seizures.
Humeral shaft fractures are associated with radial, medial or ulnar nerve injury. Radial nerve injury is most common
(5-17%).
- Which of the following are correct regarding knee trauma:
(a) Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears usually occur at the tibial attachment.
(b) “Deep lateral femoral sulcus” is a specific sign of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) disruption.
(c) Kissing contusions at the anterior aspect of the proximal tibial and distal femur are characteristic of
hyperextension injury.
(d) O’ Donoghue triad comprises complete disruption of the medial collateral ligament, ACL and posterior horn of
medial meniscus.
(e) Dashboard injuries are typically associated with ACL tears.
Answer:
(a) Not correct
(b) Not correct
(c) Correct
(d) Correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
ACL tears usually occur in middle part of ligament followed by femoral attachment.
Deep lateral femoral sulcus sign is highly specific for ACL disruption and results from impaction of the lateral
femoral condyle on the posterior tibial plateau.
Dashboard injuries are typically associated with midsubstance PCL tears at the genu.
- Which of the following are correct regarding congenital hypothyroidism ?
(a) It is cause of posterior scalloping of the vertebral bodies.
(b) The incidence is higher in infants with Down’s syndrome.
(c) A radiolucent metaphyseal band is a feature.
(d) Sclerosis of the skull base occurs.
(e) It is more common in males.
Answer:
(a) Not correct
(b) Correct
(c) Not correct
(d) Correct
(e) Not correct
Explanation:
Hypothyroidism is 3 times more common in females.
In hypothyroidism, the bones are slender with endosteal thickening and typically with a dense band at the metaphysic.
There may be hypoplasia of the vertebral bodies, particularly at the level of the first or second lumbar vertebrae.
Posterior scalloping of the vertebral bodies is seen in acromegaly.
- Which of the following statement are correct regarding cleidocranial dysostosis ?
(a) It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
(b) Hypoplasia of the distal third of the clavicle is seen in the majority of cases.
(c) It is associated with osteosclerosis.
(d) Bladder exstrophy is a feature.
(e) It is associated with an absent radius and fibula.
Answers:
(a) Not correct
(b) Not Correct
(c) Not Correct
(d) Not correct
(e) Correct
Explanation:
CCD is an autosomal dominant disease. Pyknodysostosis is an autosomal recessive disease.
Hypoplasia of the distal and middle third of the clavicle is encountered in 10% of the cases.
Osteosclerosis is a feature of Pyknodysostosis.
There is delayed ossification of the pubic bones, resulting in widening of the symphysis pubis. However this does not
result in full blown exstrophy.