Nerve injuries: tibial 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 · Nerve injuries: tibial nerve

Sample item

Which finding is expected in a complete tibial nerve injury at the popliteal fossa?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Loss of plantar flexion and inversion with numbness of the sole

The tibial nerve supplies the calf flexors, tibialis posterior and the intrinsic muscles of the foot, and gives sensation to the sole. Paralysis causes loss of plantar flexion and inversion, clawing of toes and sole anaesthesia, with a risk of trophic ulcers.

Option by option

  • A. Foot drop with dorsal foot numbness

    Foot drop with dorsal numbness is common peroneal injury.

  • B. Loss of knee extension

    Knee extension is femoral nerve function.

  • C. Loss of plantar flexion and inversion with numbness of the sole (correct)

    Correct. This is the expected deficit.

  • D. Loss of hip adduction

    Hip adduction is obturator nerve function.

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 C, Loss of plantar flexion and inversion with numbness of the sole. The tibial nerve supplies the calf flexors, tibialis posterior and the intrinsic muscles of the foot, and gives sensation to the sole.

Why is "Foot drop with dorsal foot numbness" not the answer?

Foot drop with dorsal numbness is common peroneal injury.

Why is "Loss of knee extension" not the answer?

Knee extension is femoral nerve function.

Why is "Loss of hip adduction" not the answer?

Hip adduction is obturator nerve function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nerve injuries: tibial nerve in Orthopaedics. Paralysis causes loss of plantar flexion and inversion, clawing of toes and sole anaesthesia, with a risk of trophic ulcers.

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: tibial 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.