Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is a radiographic appearance characteristic of late-stage Fibrous Dysplasia?

1. Honeycomb appearance

2. Orange peel appearance

3. Ground glass appearance

4. Radiolucent lesion

The correct answer is: Orange peel appearance

The characteristic radiographic appearance associated with late-stage Fibrous Dysplasia is the "ground glass appearance." This term refers to the unique, diffuse opacity seen in affected bones, which results in a radiographic image that resembles frosted glass. This is the result of the replacement of normal bone with fibrous tissue, leading to a mixed density that appears hazy on imaging. In the context of Fibrous Dysplasia, this ground glass appearance is particularly noted in the later stages of the condition, as the fibrous tissue becomes more fibrotic and less mineralized over time. This change in texture can significantly affect the diagnostic approach and management plans in dental and maxillofacial practice. Other options like the honeycomb and orange peel appearances typically relate to different conditions. The honeycomb appearance can be associated with cystic lesions or certain forms of osteosarcoma, while the orange peel appearance is more characteristic of conditions like Paget's disease. Radiolucent lesions are also a general description and can refer to various pathologies, but they do not specifically identify the classic appearance associated with late-stage Fibrous Dysplasia.