NBCE Part 3 Chiro Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

On a lateral cervical spine radiograph, what finding is most consistent with degenerative disc disease?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Disc space narrowing. Degenerative disc disease typically presents with disc space narrowing on radiographic imaging. This is one of the hallmark findings of disc degeneration, often accompanied by other changes like osteophyte formation.

Question 2

Which radiographic finding is characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis in the advanced stage?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Bamboo spine appearance. The classic radiographic finding in advanced ankylosing spondylitis is the bamboo spine appearance, which represents complete fusion of the vertebral bodies, facet joints, and ligamentous ossification, giving the spine a bamboo-like appearance.

Question 3

A lumbar spine radiograph shows a bilateral defect in the pars interarticularis at L5. What is the most likely diagnosis?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Spondylolysis. Spondylolysis is defined as a defect in the pars interarticularis of a vertebra, most commonly affecting L5. When bilateral, it can lead to spondylolisthesis if the vertebra slips forward.

Question 4

On a PA chest radiograph, what would suggest the presence of a pneumothorax?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Visible pleural line with absence of lung markings peripherally. A pneumothorax appears as a dark (radiolucent) area without lung markings between the lung and chest wall. The visible pleural line represents the edge of the collapsed lung, creating a sharp boundary between the aerated lung and the air-filled pleural space.

Question 5

What radiographic sign is most characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis in the hands?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Periarticular osteopenia. Periarticular osteopenia is an early radiographic finding in rheumatoid arthritis, representing the inflammatory process that leads to bone mineral loss around affected joints before erosions develop.

Question 6

A cervical spine radiograph shows a complete anterior displacement of C5 on C6. What is the correct classification of this injury?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Grade 3 dislocation. A Grade 3 dislocation in the Allen-Ferguson classification system represents complete anterior displacement of one vertebra on another, indicating severe ligamentous disruption and instability requiring immediate medical attention.

Question 7

Which radiographic finding is most consistent with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Flowing ossification along the anterolateral aspect of at least four contiguous vertebral bodies. DISH is characterized by flowing ossification along the anterolateral aspect of at least four contiguous vertebral bodies, resembling candle wax dripping down the spine, with preservation of disc height and no sacroiliac joint erosion.

Question 8

On a lumbar spine radiograph, which finding suggests the presence of a compression fracture?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Anterior wedging of a vertebral body. Anterior wedging of a vertebral body is the classic appearance of a compression fracture, where the anterior height of the vertebral body is reduced compared to the posterior height, giving it a wedge-shaped appearance.

Question 9

What radiographic finding is most suggestive of an osteosarcoma?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Sunburst periosteal reaction. Osteosarcoma typically presents with a mixed lytic and blastic lesion with a sunburst periosteal reaction, representing the aggressive nature of this malignant bone tumor and its characteristic new bone formation pattern.

Question 10

A lateral thoracic spine radiograph shows a wedge-shaped vertebra with anterior beaking. Which congenital condition is this most consistent with?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Mucopolysaccharidosis. Anterior beaking of vertebrae is a characteristic finding in mucopolysaccharidoses, particularly Morquio syndrome, resulting from abnormal development and ossification of the vertebral bodies due to lysosomal storage disease.

NBCE Part 3 Chiro Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

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