Leprosy: reconstructive surgery: practice question

A Dermatology 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

Dermatology · Leprosy: reconstructive surgery

Sample item

Which procedure is commonly used to correct foot drop in leprosy?

ATibialis posterior tendon transferBBone grafting of the tibiaCNerve resectionDAchilles tendon lengthening alone

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Tibialis posterior tendon transfer

Tibialis posterior transfer through the interosseous membrane to the dorsum of the foot restores dorsiflexion in a flail foot. Surgery should be done only after reactions have been controlled.

Option by option

A. Tibialis posterior tendon transfer (correct)
Correct. Posterior tibial tendon transfer restores dorsiflexion.
B. Bone grafting of the tibia
Bone grafting does not restore muscle function.
C. Nerve resection
Resecting the nerve would worsen function.
D. Achilles tendon lengthening alone
Achilles lengthening treats equinus contracture but not paralysis.

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.

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, Tibialis posterior tendon transfer. Tibialis posterior transfer through the interosseous membrane to the dorsum of the foot restores dorsiflexion in a flail foot.

Why is "Bone grafting of the tibia" not the answer?

Bone grafting does not restore muscle function.

Why is "Nerve resection" not the answer?

Resecting the nerve would worsen function.

Why is "Achilles tendon lengthening alone" not the answer?

Achilles lengthening treats equinus contracture but not paralysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Leprosy: reconstructive surgery in Dermatology. Surgery should be done only after reactions have been controlled.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Leprosy: reconstructive surgery?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.