Nerve injuries: two-point discrimination: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Nerve injuries: two-point discrimination

Sample item

A carpenter has a lacerated digital nerve repaired. At follow-up, sensory recovery is assessed with static two-point discrimination. Which value is regarded as normal at the fingertip?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Less than 6 mm

Static two-point discrimination below about 6 mm at the fingertip is regarded as normal. Values of 6 to 10 mm are fair, 11 to 15 mm poor, and the finger is protective only above that. It reflects the density of innervation, and it is used to follow nerve recovery.

Option by option

  • A. 12 mm

    12 mm would indicate poor sensory recovery.

  • B. 30 mm

    30 mm is not a normal value for a fingertip.

  • C. Less than 6 mm (correct)

    Correct. Under 6 mm is normal fingertip two-point discrimination.

  • D. 20 mm

    20 mm is only protective sensation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Less than 6 mm. Static two-point discrimination below about 6 mm at the fingertip is regarded as normal.

Why is "12 mm" not the answer?

12 mm would indicate poor sensory recovery.

Why is "30 mm" not the answer?

30 mm is not a normal value for a fingertip.

Why is "20 mm" not the answer?

20 mm is only protective sensation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nerve injuries: two-point discrimination in Orthopaedics. Values of 6 to 10 mm are fair, 11 to 15 mm poor, and the finger is protective only above that. It reflects the density of innervation, and it is used to follow nerve recovery.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Nerve injuries: two-point discrimination?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.