CCEP Peripheral Nerve Entrapments & Neurological Conditions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily involves compression of which nerve?
- Median nerve (Correct answer)
- Ulnar nerve
- Radial nerve
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Median nerve
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
Question 2: Phalen's test is performed by having the patient maintain maximum wrist flexion for 60 seconds. A positive test reproduces symptoms of which condition?
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (Correct answer)
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Radial tunnel syndrome
Correct answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Phalen's test is a provocative test for carpal tunnel syndrome, where maximal wrist flexion increases pressure within the carpal tunnel and compresses the median nerve.
Question 3: Cubital tunnel syndrome involves entrapment of which nerve at the medial elbow?
- Radial nerve
- Median nerve
- Ulnar nerve (Correct answer)
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Ulnar nerve
The cubital tunnel is located at the medial elbow, and cubital tunnel syndrome involves compression or entrapment of the ulnar nerve at this site.
Question 4: In thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), which structures are most commonly compressed as they pass through the thoracic outlet?
- Brachial plexus and subclavian vessels (Correct answer)
- Radial nerve and brachial artery
- Median nerve and ulnar artery
- Phrenic nerve and internal jugular vein
Correct answer: Brachial plexus and subclavian vessels
TOS involves compression of the brachial plexus and/or subclavian artery and vein as they pass between the clavicle, first rib, and scalene muscles.
Question 5: Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of which nerve as it passes beneath the flexor retinaculum on the medial ankle?
- Common peroneal nerve
- Sural nerve
- Saphenous nerve
- Posterior tibial nerve (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Posterior tibial nerve
The posterior tibial nerve and its branches are compressed within the tarsal tunnel beneath the flexor retinaculum on the medial side of the ankle, producing tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Question 6: Meralgia paresthetica is caused by entrapment of which nerve near the anterior superior iliac spine?
- Femoral nerve
- Obturator nerve
- Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (Correct answer)
- Saphenous nerve
Correct answer: Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
Meralgia paresthetica results from entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve near the ASIS or inguinal ligament, causing pain and paresthesia over the lateral thigh.
Question 7: The common peroneal nerve is most vulnerable to compression or injury at which anatomical location?
- The anterior compartment of the leg
- The fibular neck (Correct answer)
- The popliteal fossa
- The ankle mortise
Correct answer: The fibular neck
The common peroneal nerve wraps around the fibular neck (fibular head), making it the most vulnerable location for compression, trauma, or entrapment.
CCEP Peripheral Nerve Entrapments & Neurological Conditions 1
Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily involves compression of which nerve?