Bone infection: surgery in spinal tuberculosis: 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 · Bone infection: surgery in spinal tuberculosis

Sample item

Which situation is an accepted indication for surgery in spinal tuberculosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Progressive neurological deficit despite antituberculous therapy

Most spinal tuberculosis responds to antituberculous drugs and bracing. Surgical decompression and stabilisation are indicated for neurological deterioration despite therapy, severe or progressive kyphosis, spinal instability and diagnostic doubt.

Option by option

  • A. Mild back pain with normal neurology

    Mild back pain with normal neurology is managed medically.

  • B. Any case with a paradiscal lesion

    Paradiscal lesions are the commonest type and are treated medically.

  • C. Positive tuberculin test alone

    A positive tuberculin test alone is not an indication for surgery.

  • D. Progressive neurological deficit despite antituberculous therapy (correct)

    Correct. Progressive deficit despite drugs is a classic indication.

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, Progressive neurological deficit despite antituberculous therapy. Most spinal tuberculosis responds to antituberculous drugs and bracing.

Why is "Mild back pain with normal neurology" not the answer?

Mild back pain with normal neurology is managed medically.

Why is "Any case with a paradiscal lesion" not the answer?

Paradiscal lesions are the commonest type and are treated medically.

Why is "Positive tuberculin test alone" not the answer?

A positive tuberculin test alone is not an indication for surgery.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone infection: surgery in spinal tuberculosis in Orthopaedics. Surgical decompression and stabilisation are indicated for neurological deterioration despite therapy, severe or progressive kyphosis, spinal instability and diagnostic doubt.

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 Bone infection: surgery in spinal tuberculosis?

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.