Shoulder trauma: axillary nerve: 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 · Shoulder trauma: axillary nerve

Sample item

After reduction of an anterior shoulder dislocation, which deficit suggests axillary nerve injury?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Reduced sensation over the lateral deltoid region

The axillary nerve supplies the deltoid and sensation over the regimental-badge area of the lateral shoulder. It can be injured in anterior shoulder dislocation.

Option by option

  • A. Numbness of the little finger

    Little-finger sensation is largely ulnar nerve territory.

  • B. Inability to dorsiflex the ankle

    Ankle dorsiflexion is supplied by the deep peroneal nerve.

  • C. Loss of thumb opposition

    Thumb opposition is mediated by the median nerve.

  • D. Reduced sensation over the lateral deltoid region (correct)

    Correct. Lateral shoulder sensory loss is an axillary-nerve clue.

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 D, Reduced sensation over the lateral deltoid region. The axillary nerve supplies the deltoid and sensation over the regimental-badge area of the lateral shoulder.

Why is "Numbness of the little finger" not the answer?

Little-finger sensation is largely ulnar nerve territory.

Why is "Inability to dorsiflex the ankle" not the answer?

Ankle dorsiflexion is supplied by the deep peroneal nerve.

Why is "Loss of thumb opposition" not the answer?

Thumb opposition is mediated by the median nerve.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Shoulder trauma: axillary nerve in Orthopaedics. It can be injured in anterior shoulder dislocation.

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 Shoulder trauma: axillary nerve?

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.