Tinel's sign, used in monitoring nerve regeneration after injury, represents:

• A Percussion-induced tingling at the site of a compressed nerve
• B Eliciting of the motor response distally when percussion is applied proximally
• C The most distal point of percussion that produces paraesthesia — indicating the advancing front of regenerating axons ✓
• D Loss of two-point discrimination in the denervated territory

Explanation

While Tinel's sign is commonly taught as 'tingling at the lesion,' its role in monitoring nerve regeneration is specifically as the most distal point of percussion along the nerve course that produces paraesthesia (pins and needles in the sensory distribution). A distally advancing Tinel's sign indicates regenerating axon sprouts reaching that point, progressing at ~1 mm/day (1 inch/month). The sign should advance distally over serial examinations. A static or proximally regressing Tinel's sign indicates failed regeneration, prompting surgical exploration.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.