National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

The triad of finger clubbing, arthralgias, and periostitis is indicative of which condition?

1. Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

2. Osteosarcoma

3. Fibrous dysplasia

4. Paget's disease

The correct answer is: Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

The triad of finger clubbing, arthralgias, and periostitis is most commonly associated with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. This condition is characterized by the abnormal growth of bone and soft tissue, typically related to conditions that cause chronic hypoxia or other systemic diseases. Finger clubbing, the enlargement of the distal phalanges, is often a response to prolonged hypoxia and is commonly seen in pulmonary conditions. The presence of arthralgias indicates joint pain, which can accompany the musculoskeletal manifestations of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Periostitis, or inflammation of the periosteum, can lead to pain and tenderness along the bones and is a key feature in this syndrome. This combination of symptoms is particularly notable in conditions such as lung cancer or certain cardiovascular diseases, leading to the development of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy as a secondary effect. Thus, understanding these symptoms in context helps in recognizing the underlying systemic issues that can lead to this triad. In contrast, the other options involve different pathologies that do not typically present with this specific triad. For example, osteosarcoma primarily presents with localized bone pain and does not typically manifest with clubbing or periostitis as