What is the typical radiographic sign associated with avascular necrosis of the femoral head?

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Multiple Choice

What is the typical radiographic sign associated with avascular necrosis of the femoral head?

Explanation:
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head weakens the subchondral bone, and as it collapses under load a thin crescent-shaped radiolucent line appears beneath the intact articular cartilage. This crescent sign on plain X-ray is the classic indicator of AVN and often signals impending collapse of the femoral head. MRI is more sensitive early on, but the crescent sign remains the hallmark visible on radiographs. The other options point to entirely different conditions—sunburst pattern with malignancy like osteosarcoma, hair-on-end pattern seen in certain hematologic disorders, and a chip fracture typical of fractures such as the scaphoid.

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head weakens the subchondral bone, and as it collapses under load a thin crescent-shaped radiolucent line appears beneath the intact articular cartilage. This crescent sign on plain X-ray is the classic indicator of AVN and often signals impending collapse of the femoral head. MRI is more sensitive early on, but the crescent sign remains the hallmark visible on radiographs. The other options point to entirely different conditions—sunburst pattern with malignancy like osteosarcoma, hair-on-end pattern seen in certain hematologic disorders, and a chip fracture typical of fractures such as the scaphoid.

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