Spine: 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 · Spine

Sample item

What symptom combination suggests cauda equina syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Saddle numbness and urinary retention

Saddle sensory loss and new bladder dysfunction suggest compression of cauda equina roots and require urgent assessment to prevent permanent neurologic deficit.

Option by option

  • A. Saddle numbness and urinary retention (correct)

    Correct: saddle anesthesia with retention is a spinal emergency pattern.

  • B. Ear pain and fever

    Ear pain and fever suggest otitis or another infection.

  • C. Photophobia and rash

    Photophobia and rash suggest different neurologic or infectious conditions.

  • D. Hand tremor only

    Isolated hand tremor does not indicate cauda equina compression.

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 A, Saddle numbness and urinary retention. Saddle sensory loss and new bladder dysfunction suggest compression of cauda equina roots and require urgent assessment to prevent permanent neurologic deficit.

Why is "Ear pain and fever" not the answer?

Ear pain and fever suggest otitis or another infection.

Why is "Photophobia and rash" not the answer?

Photophobia and rash suggest different neurologic or infectious conditions.

Why is "Hand tremor only" not the answer?

Isolated hand tremor does not indicate cauda equina compression.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: saddle anesthesia with retention is a spinal emergency pattern.

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 Spine?

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.