Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What is indicated by persistent numbness and tingling post-lumbar surgery?

1. Possible nerve irritation

2. Successful surgery

3. Delayed healing

4. Infection

The correct answer is: Possible nerve irritation

Persistent numbness and tingling following lumbar surgery often suggests possible nerve irritation. After such surgical procedures, the nerves in the vicinity can become inflamed or irritated due to changes in positioning, surgical trauma, or swelling. This irritation can manifest as abnormal sensations, including numbness and tingling, in the areas supplied by affected nerves. While successful surgeries can lead to symptom improvement, they do not inherently account for all post-operative sensations. If the nerve pathways are still inflamed or irritated, the patient may experience ongoing symptoms even after what is deemed a successful surgical outcome. Delayed healing and infection might also present with similar symptoms, but they typically accompany additional signs such as significant pain, fever, or other distressing symptoms that suggest complications rather than merely nerve irritation. Thus, the persistence of numbness and tingling in this specific context strongly aligns with the possibility of nerve irritation.