Lecture 2: Compression Neuropathies

Question 1

Which nerve root reponsible for wrist extension and elbow flexion?

Answer 1

C6

Question 2

Which nerve root is associated with wrist flexion, elbow extension, and finger extension?

Answer 2

C7

Question 3

What is protrusion vs. extrusion in relation to a herniated disc?

Answer 3

• Protrusion: only few cartilage rings are torn; no leakage of central material
• Extrusion: cartilage rings have torn in a small area; nucleus pulposus is able to flow out of the disc space

Question 4

Pain caused by compression of the spinal nerve that radiates in the distribution of the defined nerve root describes what?

Answer 4

Radiculopathy

Question 5

A positive Hoffmann test indicates what?

Answer 5

Cervical myelopathy (i.e., cervical spinal stenosis)

Question 6

Which nerve provides the majority of the sensation to the dorsum of the hand?

Answer 6

Radial n.

Question 7

Radial nerve entrapment at the wrist will present how?

Answer 7

Sensation changes over posterolateral hand

Question 8

A positive “OK” sign is suggestive of what?

Answer 8

Anterior interosseous syndrome –> Median n.

Question 9

Froment’s sign where a pt must flex the thumb in order to pinch paper between 1st and 2nd digits is seen with what nerve entrapment syndrome?

Answer 9

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome –> Ulnar n.

Question 10

Which nerve roots are responsible for hip flexion?

Answer 10

L1, L2

Question 11

Which nerve roots are responsible for knee extension?

Answer 11

L2, L3

Question 12

Which nerve root is repsonsible for sensation of the inguinal crease?

Answer 12

L1

Question 13

Which nerve root is repsonsible for sensation of the anterior thigh?

Answer 13

L2

Question 14

Which nerve root is repsonsible for sensation of the anterior thigh just above knee?

Answer 14

L3

Question 15

Which nerve root is responsible for ankle dorsiflexion + sensation to the medial leg and foot?

Answer 15

L4

Question 16

Which nerve root is repsonsible for sensation of the lateral leg and dorsum of the foot?

Answer 16

L5

Question 17

Which nerve root is repsonsible for sensation of the lateral foot and plantar foot?

Answer 17

S1

Question 18

Numbness or burning pain on anterolateral thigh is pathognomonic for what?

Answer 18

Meralgia paresthetica: lateral femoral cutaneous n.

Question 19

Which nerve is affected in anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome and what are the findings?

Answer 19

• Deep fibular nerve (L4-S2) at inferior extensor retinaculum
• Pain over dorsomedial aspect of foot and worse at night
• Weakness of extensor digitorum brevis

Question 20

What are the sx’s of tarsal tunnel syndrome; due to compression of which nerve?

Answer 20

• Compression of posterior tibial n.
• Paresthesias of the plantar aspect of foot

Question 21

Majority of sciatica is caused by weakness of what?

Answer 21

Sacroiliac ligament

Question 22

What is an important consideration when treating the tenderpoints associated with the LE in sciatica?

Answer 22

Hamstring TrPs must be treated during same tx as quadriceps TrPs

Question 23

Pain and tenderness 5cm distal to lateral epicondyle with wrist drop and pain with resisted supination is indicative of what?

Answer 23

Radial n. entrapment at Radial tunnel

Question 24

Achy pain in the mid/proximal forearm with pain elicited during resisted forearm pronation is likely due to entrapment of which nerve?

Answer 24

Median n. (Pronator Syndrome)

Question 25

What is the site of compression with a (+) Adson test looking toward vs. away the tested arm?

Answer 25

• Looking away = Scalene m.
• Looking toward = Rib 1

Question 26

Which SD finding of the fibular head may be seen with common fibular n. compression?

Answer 26

Posterior fibular head