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Radiology · single question

What is the radiographic appearance of a VERTICAL ROOT FRACTURE?

  1. Diagonal fracture line from crown to root
  2. Apical radiolucency only (at root tip)
  3. Lateral radiolucency only (beside the root)
  4. BOTH apical AND lateral radiolucency (J-shaped/halo pattern)
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Correct answer: D. BOTH apical AND lateral radiolucency (J-shaped/halo pattern)

Vertical root fractures (VRF) produce a characteristic 'halo' or 'J-shaped' radiolucency because the fracture runs along the root's long axis, allowing bone resorption on BOTH sides of the root (lateral) AND at the apex. This creates radiolucency extending from the lateral surface down to the apex. VRFs are often associated with root canal-treated teeth with posts.
  • A. Incorrect. Lateral radiolucency alone suggests lateral periodontitis or a lateral canal — not VRF.
  • B. Incorrect. Apical radiolucency alone suggests periapical pathology — not specific to VRF.
  • C. CORRECT. VRFs produce BOTH lateral AND apical radiolucency (J-shaped or halo pattern).
  • D. Incorrect. A diagonal fracture line is an oblique crown-root fracture — a different fracture type.

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