Lower limb reflexes / radiculopathies

Question 1

What are the key clinical signs of L4 radiculopathy?

Answer 1

Loss of knee (patellar) reflex and weakened knee extension.

Question 2

What is the most common cause of L4 radiculopathy?

Answer 2

Disc herniation of L3-4.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The answer on USMLE if a patient loses knee (patellar) reflex + has weakened knee extension is _______.

Answer 3

Disc herniation of L3-4.

Question 4

What reflex is typically affected in L4 radiculopathy?

Answer 4

Knee (patellar) reflex.

Question 5

What muscle function is weakened in L4 radiculopathy?

Answer 5

Knee extension.

Question 6

What condition is indicated by loss of dorsiflexion in a patient?

Answer 6

L5 radiculopathy

This condition can be a key point on the USMLE exam.

Question 7

What type of disc herniation is associated with loss of dorsiflexion?

Answer 7

Disc herniation of L4-L5.

Question 8

What reflex is lost in S1 radiculopathy?

Answer 8

Ankle (Achilles) reflex.

Question 9

What muscle function is weakened in S1 radiculopathy?

Answer 9

Plantarflexion.

Question 10

What is a common cause of S1 radiculopathy?

Answer 10

Disc herniation of L5-S1.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The answer on USMLE if a patient loses ankle reflex + has weakened plantarflexion is _______.

Answer 11

Disc herniation of L5-S1.