Nerve injuries: leprosy neuropathy: 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.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Nerve injuries: leprosy neuropathy

Sample item

In India, a farmer with a hypoaesthetic skin patch develops a thickened, tender nerve at the elbow with clawing of the ring and little fingers. Which nerve is most commonly involved in leprosy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ulnar nerve

In leprosy, nerves that lie superficially at cooler sites are thickened, with the ulnar nerve at the elbow being the most commonly affected. Involvement produces claw hand and sensory loss. The common peroneal and posterior tibial nerves are also frequently affected.

Option by option

  • A. Radial nerve

    The radial nerve is less frequently involved in leprosy.

  • B. Axillary nerve

    The axillary nerve is deep and is rarely affected.

  • C. Femoral nerve

    The femoral nerve is deep and is rarely affected.

  • D. Ulnar nerve (correct)

    Correct. The ulnar nerve is the commonest nerve involved in leprosy.

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.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Ulnar nerve. In leprosy, nerves that lie superficially at cooler sites are thickened, with the ulnar nerve at the elbow being the most commonly affected.

Why is "Radial nerve" not the answer?

The radial nerve is less frequently involved in leprosy.

Why is "Axillary nerve" not the answer?

The axillary nerve is deep and is rarely affected.

Why is "Femoral nerve" not the answer?

The femoral nerve is deep and is rarely affected.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nerve injuries: leprosy neuropathy in Orthopaedics. Involvement produces claw hand and sensory loss. The common peroneal and posterior tibial nerves are also frequently affected.

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: leprosy neuropathy?

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.