Question

which of the following findings should prompt an urgent referral to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon? intermittent shooting pain down the arms stable sensory deficits without motor impairment mild neck pain and occasional hand numbness progressive spastic gait and worsening loss of fine motor control

Explanation:

Progressive neurological deficits like spastic gait and worsening fine motor control indicate potentially severe, advancing spinal or nerve compression that requires urgent surgical evaluation to prevent permanent damage. The other options represent stable or mild, non-progressive symptoms that can be managed with non-surgical care initially.

Answer:

Progressive spastic gait and worsening loss of fine motor control