Nerve injuries: Camitz opponensplasty: 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 · Nerve injuries: Camitz opponensplasty

Sample item

A patient with severe long-standing carpal tunnel syndrome has thenar wasting and cannot oppose the thumb. Which transfer can restore opposition?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Palmaris longus transfer (Camitz procedure)

The Camitz opponensplasty uses the palmaris longus, extended with a strip of palmar fascia, to restore thumb abduction and opposition in low median palsy. Other options include transfer of the flexor digitorum superficialis of the ring finger or extensor indicis proprius. Joints must be supple before transfer.

Option by option

  • A. Palmaris longus transfer (Camitz procedure) (correct)

    Correct. Palmaris longus is used for opposition in low median palsy.

  • B. Pronator teres to extensor carpi radialis brevis

    Pronator teres to ECRB is used for wrist extension in radial palsy.

  • C. Flexor carpi ulnaris to extensor digitorum

    FCU to the finger extensors treats finger extension loss in radial palsy.

  • D. Extensor carpi radialis longus to flexor digitorum profundus

    ECRL to FDP is used for finger flexion in high ulnar and anterior interosseous loss.

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 A, Palmaris longus transfer (Camitz procedure). The Camitz opponensplasty uses the palmaris longus, extended with a strip of palmar fascia, to restore thumb abduction and opposition in low median palsy.

Why is "Pronator teres to extensor carpi radialis brevis" not the answer?

Pronator teres to ECRB is used for wrist extension in radial palsy.

Why is "Flexor carpi ulnaris to extensor digitorum" not the answer?

FCU to the finger extensors treats finger extension loss in radial palsy.

Why is "Extensor carpi radialis longus to flexor digitorum profundus" not the answer?

ECRL to FDP is used for finger flexion in high ulnar and anterior interosseous loss.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nerve injuries: Camitz opponensplasty in Orthopaedics. Other options include transfer of the flexor digitorum superficialis of the ring finger or extensor indicis proprius. Joints must be supple before transfer.

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 Nerve injuries: Camitz opponensplasty?

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.