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

Which neurological sign indicates cauda equina syndrome in low-back pain?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Saddle sensory loss with new bladder dysfunction

Saddle anaesthesia and new urinary retention or incontinence may indicate cauda equina compression and require urgent spinal assessment.

Option by option

  • A. Brief muscle stiffness after exercise

    Post-exercise stiffness is nonspecific.

  • B. Saddle sensory loss with new bladder dysfunction (correct)

    Correct: sphincter and saddle symptoms are emergency red flags.

  • C. Localized pain after lifting

    Mechanical lifting pain is common and usually not cauda equina.

  • D. Pain relieved by lying down

    Rest response alone does not establish 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 B, Saddle sensory loss with new bladder dysfunction. Saddle anaesthesia and new urinary retention or incontinence may indicate cauda equina compression and require urgent spinal assessment.

Why is "Brief muscle stiffness after exercise" not the answer?

Post-exercise stiffness is nonspecific.

Why is "Localized pain after lifting" not the answer?

Mechanical lifting pain is common and usually not cauda equina.

Why is "Pain relieved by lying down" not the answer?

Rest response alone does not establish compression.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: sphincter and saddle symptoms are emergency red flags.

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.