Question

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

Explanation:

Progressive neurological deficits like spastic gait and worsening fine motor control indicate a potentially serious, advancing spinal or neural condition that requires urgent specialist evaluation to prevent permanent damage. The other options represent mild, intermittent, or stable symptoms that do not require urgent surgical referral.

Answer:

Progressive spastic gait and worsening loss of fine motor control