Orthopedic Board Review MCQs: Practice Exam Set 881 (100 High-Yield Questions)

Key Takeaway
This page presents 100 high-yield Orthopedic Board Review MCQs for ABOS, OITE, and FRCS exams (Practice Set 881). Surgeons can master key topics across trauma, spine, peds, sports, and reconstruction. Use this comprehensive resource to test knowledge and enhance your board exam preparation.
Comprehensive 100-Question Exam
00:00
Start Quiz
Question 1
A 6-month-old child is seen in the emergency department with a spiral fracture of the tibia. The parents are vague about the etiology of the injury. There is no family history of a bone disease. In addition to casting of the fracture, initial management should include
Explanation
Question 2
A 30-year-old man who underwent an anterior lumbar diskectomy and fusion at L4-5 and L5-S1 through an anterior retroperitoneal approach 1 month ago now reports he is unable to obtain and maintain an erection. The most likely cause of this condition is
Explanation
Question 3
Figures 45a and 45b show the AP and lateral radiographs of a 15-year old patient who is undergoing surgery to add 3 cm of length to the femur. Based on the radiographic findings, what is the next most appropriate step in management?

Explanation
Question 4
What is the most common primary malignant bone or cartilage tumor in children?

Explanation
Question 5
The anterolateral (Watson-Jones) approach to the hip exploits the intermuscular interval between the

Explanation
Question 6
A newborn with bilateral talipes equinovarus undergoes serial manipulation and casting. What is the primary goal of manipulation?

Explanation
Question 7
A 15-year-old girl who competes in gymnastics has immediate pain and giving way of the left elbow after falling from the uneven parallel bars and landing on her outstretched arms. Examination reveals swelling and tenderness about the elbow, especially over the medial side. Measurement of elbow motion shows 0 degrees to 125 degrees of flexion, and valgus stress at the elbow is painful. AP, lateral, and stress radiographs are shown in Figures 9a through 9c. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 8
A 22-year-old skier reports painful range of motion in the left thumb after falling forward on his outstretched hand while holding his ski pole. Examination of the left thumb reveals increased AP laxity and 45 degrees of valgus laxity at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Examination of the right thumb shows 25 degrees of valgus laxity at the MCP joint. Radiographs are normal. Management should consist of
Explanation
Question 9
What is the most common site of metastases from a soft-tissue sarcoma?

Explanation
Question 10
Figures 32a and 32b show the radiographs of an active 13-year-old boy who has persistent left thigh pain and a limp despite a trial of protected weight bearing. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 11
When performing knee arthroplasty, which of the following procedures provides the most consistent fixation for the tibial component?

Explanation
Question 12
A 56-year-old man with a history of chronic lower back pain from lumbar spondylosis reports a 2-day history of acute incapacitating back pain. He denies any history of acute trauma, although he reports the pain starting after a coughing spell. He also reports difficulty urinating and some fecal incontinence. Examination reveals generalized lower extremity weakness, saddle paresthesia, hyporeflexia in the lower extremities, and loss of rectal tone. What is the most appropriate management at this time?

Explanation
Question 13
A 35-year-old male laborer with isolated posttraumatic degenerative arthritis of the right hip undergoes the procedure shown in Figure 8. What is the most appropriate position of the right lower extremity?

Explanation
Question 14
A 30-year-old man has had intermittent swelling of his right ankle for the past 6 months. He denies any history of trauma. Radiographs reveal osteolytic changes on both sides of the joint. An axial CT scan and a T2-weighted MRI scan are shown in Figures 40a and 40b. He undergoes surgical excision. An intraoperative photograph and a biopsy specimen are shown in Figures 40c and 40d. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 15
Which of the following agents increases the risk for a nonunion following a posterior spinal fusion?
Explanation
Question 16
A 7-year-old girl sustains the fracture shown in Figure 29a. Casting results in uneventful healing. Ten months later, the patient has a progressive valgus deformity of the right lower extremity. A radiograph is shown in Figure 29b. Management should now consist of

Explanation
Question 17
A 45-year-old woman sustains an injury to her lower leg. Examination reveals that there is a deformity with no neurologic or vascular problems. The skin is intact. Radiographs are shown in Figures 46a and 46b. Which of the following factors would make closed management the least appropriate choice for this injury?

Explanation
Question 18
A 28-year-old man underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a closed, displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fracture 8 weeks ago. Examination now reveals that the lateral wound is red and draining purulent material. Cultures obtained from the wound grow out Staphylococcus aureus. Radiographs show early healing of the fracture. What is the next most appropriate step in management?

Explanation
Question 19
A 20-year-old man sustained a closed tibial fracture and is treated with a reamed intramedullary nail. What is the most common complication associated with this treatment?

Explanation
Question 20
Which of the following is considered the most appropriate indication for conversion of a hip fusion to total hip arthroplasty?
Explanation
Question 21
Which of the following factors is associated with failure of arthroscopic excision of the distal clavicle?

Explanation
Question 22
Which of the following is considered a reasonable goal for arthroplasty surgery in rotator cuff arthropathy?
Explanation
Question 23
A 62-year-old woman reports diffuse aches and pains of the hip and pelvis. She denies any significant trauma but does have a history of chronic anemia. Figure 17a shows a radiograph of the pelvis, and Figures 17b and 17c show T2-weighted MRI scans. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 24
Which of the following structures is the most important restraint to posterior subluxation of the glenohumeral joint when positioned in 90 degrees of flexion and internal rotation?

Explanation
Question 25
Which of the following symptoms are most commonly associated with piriformis syndrome?
Explanation
Question 26
A 10-year-old boy with an L1 myelomeningocele has a low-grade fever and a swollen thigh that is warm to touch and erythematous. AP and lateral radiographs are shown in Figures 24a and 24b. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 27
Which of the following forms of nonsurgical management is considered best for acute low back pain without radiculopathy?
Explanation
Question 28
A 68-year-old woman with serologically proven rheumatoid arthritis underwent an open synovectomy and radial head resection 10 years ago. She now has severe pain that has failed to respond to nonsurgical management. Examination reveals a flexion arc of greater than 90 degrees. Radiographs are shown in Figures 15a and 15b. What is the most appropriate management?

Explanation
Question 29
What is the most common complication following interscalene nerve block for shoulder surgery?
Explanation
Question 30
A 7-year-old boy sustains an acute injury to the distal radial metaphysis, along with a completely displaced Salter-Harris type I fracture of the ulnar physis, as shown by the arrows in Figure 12. After satisfactory reduction of both injuries, what is the major concern?

Explanation
Question 31
A 52-year-old man has had back pain radiating to the left leg for the past 5 weeks. A radiograph, MRI scans, and biopsy specimens are shown in Figures 23a through 23f. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 32
A 47-year-old woman has a painful bunion of the right foot, and shoe wear modifications have failed to provide relief. Examination reveals a severe hallux valgus with dorsal subluxation of the second toe. Radiographs are shown in Figures 14a and 14b. The most appropriate management should include

Explanation
Question 33
A 72-year-old woman who is right hand-dominant has severe pain in the right shoulder that has failed to respond to nonsurgical management. She reports night pain and significant disability. Examination reveals 30 degrees of active forward elevation. An AP radiograph is shown in Figure 27. Which of the following treatment options will provide the best functional improvement?

Explanation
Question 34
What type of metastatic tumor most often has a lytic radiographic appearance?

Explanation
Question 35
A 28-year-old man who sustained an ankle fracture in a motor vehicle accident underwent open reduction and internal fixation 3 months ago. He continues to report significant ankle pain with ambulation. Radiographs are shown in Figure 26. What is the next most appropriate step in management?

Explanation
Question 36
A 65-year-old woman has nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention after undergoing total knee arthroplasty 48 hours ago. An abdominal radiograph is shown in Figure 14. Associated risk factors for this disorder include

Explanation
Question 37
A 45-year-old man reports that he awoke 2 weeks ago with severe pain in his right arm. Examination reveals weakness in the biceps, brachialis, and wrist extensors. There is decreased sensation in the thumb and index finger and a diminished brachioradialis reflex. Assuming this patient has a posterolateral herniated nucleus pulposus, what level is involved?

Explanation
Question 38
An 18-month-old boy with obstetric brachial plexus palsy is being evaluated for limited right shoulder motion. Physical therapy for the past 6 months has failed to result in improvement of the contracture. Which of the following studies is necessary prior to any shoulder reconstruction?

Explanation
Question 39
Figure 45 shows the radiograph of a 2-year-old patient who has progressive lumbar scoliosis as the result of hemivertebra. Examination reveals no associated cutaneous lesions, and an MRI scan shows no associated intraspinal anomalies. Treatment should consist of

Explanation
Question 40
Of the following factors, which is considered the most important prognostic indicator in soft-tissue sarcomas?

Explanation
Question 41
Figures 36a and 36b show the MRI scans of a patient who has shoulder weakness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 42
Which of the following surgical techniques is associated with an increased incidence of patellar complications after total knee arthroplasty?
Explanation
Question 43
A 52-year-old man who was a former high school pitcher now reports loss of elbow flexion and extension with pain at the extremes of motion. Nonsurgical management has failed to provide relief. Examination reveals movement from 50 degrees to 110 degrees and is painful only at the limits of motion. A radiograph is shown in Figure 12. Treatment should consist of

Explanation
Question 44
Figure 31 shows the radiograph of an 8-year-old boy who has a swollen forearm after falling out of a tree. Examination reveals that all three nerves are functionally intact, and there is no evidence of circulatory embarrassment. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 45
Which of the following is most commonly associated with an open clavicular fracture?

Explanation
Question 46
A 21-year-old patient has had pain and a marked decrease in active and passive shoulder motion after having had a seizure 2 months ago as the result of alcohol abuse. Current AP and axillary radiographs and a CT scan are shown in Figures 26a through 26c. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 47
The anticoagulant effect of the low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) is mediated by the binding affinity of antithrombin III to which of the following coagulation factors?

Explanation
Question 48
You are asked to evaluate the patient whose current clinical photographs are shown in Figures 46a and 46b following aortic valve replacement 9 days ago. He is currently taking anticoagulation medication. He has no systemic signs of sepsis. What is the best management?

Explanation
Question 49
A 47-year-old man ruptured his left patellar tendon and twisted his right ankle in a fall. Initial radiographs of the ankle are unremarkable. One week following repair of the left patellar tendon, he reports increased pain with weight bearing in his right ankle. A follow-up radiograph is shown in Figure 38. Management of the ankle injury should consist of

Explanation
Scientific References
- :
Question 50
Figure 24 shows the radiograph of a 4-year-old girl with spina bifida. Examination reveals an L3 motor level, excellent sitting and standing balance, and satisfactory range of motion at the hips. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 51
In the anterior forearm approach to the distal radius (Henry approach), the radial artery is located between what two structures?

Explanation
Question 52
An adult patient with a grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 is most likely to have weakness of the

Explanation
Question 53
Which of the following is considered the treatment of choice for a chondroblastoma of the proximal tibial epiphysis without intra-articular extension?

Explanation
Question 54
Immobilization of human tendons leads to what changes in structure and/or function?
Explanation
Question 55
What is the best surgical approach for the scapular fracture shown in Figure 46?

Explanation
Question 56
A patient has a displaced midshaft transverse fracture of the humerus and is neurologically intact. Following closed reduction and application of a coaptation splint, the patient cannot dorsiflex the wrist or the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand. What is the next most appropriate step in management?

Explanation
Question 57
Figure 1 shows the radiograph of a 71-year-old man who has had increasing pain and weakness in his shoulder for the past 3 years. Nonsurgical management has failed to provide relief. Examination shows 130 degrees of active forward flexion and intact external rotation strength. During surgery, a 1- x 1-cm rotator cuff tear involving the supraspinatus is encountered. Treatment should include

Explanation
Question 58
What structure is most at risk with anterior penetration of C1 lateral mass screws?
Explanation
Question 59
Figure 4a shows the radiograph of a 20-year-old man who has an injury to the right shoulder. Figure 4b shows an arthroscopic view (posterior portal). The arrow points to a

Explanation
Question 60
An 82-year-old woman fell on her right shoulder 2 days ago. She is alert, oriented, and in mild discomfort. Prior to falling, she lived alone and functioned independently. Examination reveals extensive ecchymosis extending to the midhumeral region. Her neurovascular examination is normal. Radiographs are shown in Figures 41a and 41b. What is the most appropriate management?

Explanation
Question 61
Figures 14a and 14b show the clinical photographs of a patient who was stranded in a subzero region for several days. The photographs were taken the morning after arrival in the hospital. The patient is otherwise healthy and fit, and takes no medication. He has no clinical signs of sepsis. He reports burning pain and tingling in both feet. What is the best treatment?

Explanation
Question 62
During an anterior retroperitoneal approach to the low lumbar spine, the iliac vessels are mobilized along the lateral side, allowing them to be retracted toward the midline. To gain adequate mobility of the common iliac vein for exposure of L5, it is important to identify which of the following structures?

Explanation
Question 63
Figure 26 shows the radiograph of a 48-year-old woman who has right arm pain and hematuria. A bone scan reveals increased uptake in the left ribs and thoracic spine. A needle biopsy specimen shows that the lesion is highly keratin positive and composed primarily of clear cells. What is the best course of action?

Explanation
Question 64
A 12-year-old boy who has had a 1-month history of right thigh pain and a limp reports worsening of the pain after a fall, and he can no longer walk or bear weight on the involved extremity. Radiographs of the pelvis reveal a slipped capital femoral epiphysis with moderate to severe displacement. While positioning the patient on the fracture table for screw fixation, partial reduction of the slip is achieved. No further reduction maneuvers are attempted, and the epiphysis is stabilized with a single cannulated screw. What complication is most likely to develop following this procedure?
Explanation
Question 65
A 55-year-old woman with a history of untreated idiopathic scoliosis has had neurogenic claudication for the past several months. MRI reveals spinal stenosis at L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5. Radiographs show a 45-degree lumbar curve from T10 to L4, with a degenerative spondylolisthesis at L4-L5. Laminectomy at the stenotic levels and stabilization of the deformity are planned. Which of the following is NOT considered an absolute indication for extending the fusion to the sacrum, rather than stopping at L5?

Explanation
Question 66
A 7-year-old boy sustained an acute puncture wound of the foot after stepping barefoot on a piece of glass 1 day ago. His mother states that she is not sure if she got the piece of glass out; however, she reports that his immunizations are up-to-date. Examination reveals that the wound is slightly erythematous, less than 1 mm in length on the heel, and is not currently draining. What is the next most appropriate step im management?

Explanation
Question 67
During total hip arthroplasty, profuse bleeding is noted following predrilling for placement of an acetabular component screw. The drill most likely penetrated too deep in the

Explanation
Question 68
Figure 16a shows the radiograph of a 34-year-old woman who sustained a basicervical fracture of the femoral neck. The fracture was treated with a compression screw and side plate. Seven months postoperatively, she continues to have significant hip pain and cannot bear full weight on her hip. A recent radiograph is shown in Figure 16b. Management should now consist of

Explanation
Question 69
A 45-year-old man reports right shoulder pain with overhead activities only. Figures 47a through 47d show the radiographs, bone scan, and MRI scan of a lesion of the proximal shoulder. What is the most appropriate treatment?

Explanation
Question 70
A 32-year-old man sustains a forceful inversion injury while playing soccer. Examination reveals tenderness in the lateral hindfoot and midfoot region with associated ecchymosis and swelling. Radiographs show proximal migration of the os peroneum. Active eversion is still present. These findings indicate disruption of the
Explanation
Question 71
Figure 33 shows the CT scan of a 40-year-old man who injured his left shoulder while skiing. What structure is attached to the bony fragment?

Explanation
Question 72
Accurate evaluation of the upper portion of the subscapularis muscle is best accomplished with active internal rotation
Explanation
Question 73
Intradiskal electrothermal therapy (IDET) uses an intradiskal catheter to deliver controlled thermal energy to the inner periphery of the annulus fibrosis of a chronically painful intervertebral disk. Lumbar diskography is used diagnostically to identify the presumed pain generator to be targeted with IDET. Based on the medical literature, what can be said about the current status of IDET?
Explanation
Question 74
Figures 50a and 50b show the standing clinical photographs of a 12-year-old boy who has had increasing pain in the left foot for the past 9 months. He reports that the pain is activity related, aching in nature, and localized to the medial aspect of the midfoot and hindfoot. History reveals that he sustained a puncture wound located superior and posterior to the medial malleolus from a plate glass window 18 months ago. Examination reveals no restriction of ankle or subtalar motion, normal neurovascular status, no masses, and a well-healed 1.5-cm laceration posterior to the superior aspect of the medial malleolus. Inversion strength of the foot is decreased to grade 3/5. Radiographs of the foot show no bony abnormalities. Treatment should consist of

Explanation
Question 75
Osteoclasts are primarily responsible for bone resorption of malignancy. Which of the following stimulates osteoclast formation?
Explanation
Question 76
A 41-year-old man who plays golf regularly has had ulnar-sided wrist pain for the past several days after striking a tree root with a golf club. Examination reveals significant pain with resisted flexion of the ring and small fingers and tenderness over the hook of the hamate. Which of the following radiographic views would be most helpful in identifying the pathology of this injury?

Explanation
Question 77
Figure 12 shows a lateral radiograph of the elbow. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 78
A corset-type brace may help reduce symptoms during an episode of acute low back pain as the result of
Explanation
Question 79
Linazolid exerts its antimicrobial action by inhibiting bacterial
Explanation
Question 80
When a structure like a long bone is under a bending load, its maximum stress is most dependent on what factor?
Explanation
Question 81
The major benefit of irrigation with a castile soap solution over irrigation with bacitracin solution for the treatment of the open fracture shown in Figure 42 can be seen in which of the following outcomes?

Explanation
Question 82
In hip arthroplasty, the location of the medial femoral circumflex artery is best described as

Explanation
Question 83
A 47-year-old male tennis player has pain in his nondominant shoulder that has failed to respond to 4 months of nonsurgical management. Examination reveals acromial tenderness and pain at the supraspinatus tendon insertion. He has a positive impingement sign, pain on forward elevation, and minimal cuff weakness. The MRI scans are shown in Figures 30a and 30b. To completely resolve his symptoms, treatment should consist of

Explanation
Question 84
Within the menisci, the majority of the large collagen fiber bundles are oriented in what configuration?
Explanation
Question 85
A patient reports pain in the hip with functional positioning. With the patient supine, pain in which of the following positions would be typical for femoral acetabular impingement?

Explanation
Question 86
A previously asymptomatic 12-year-old girl sustained a direct blow to the right lateral knee from a baseball bat. Examination reveals an area of ecchymosis and tenderness over the lateral thigh. The patient can walk without pain, but range of motion of the knee causes discomfort. Plain radiographs of the knee are shown in Figures 11a and 11b. To address the bone lesion, management should consist of

Explanation
Question 87
The posterior cord of the brachial plexus terminates into what two main branches?
Explanation
Question 88
Total hip arthroplasty in a patient with a long-standing hip fusion on the contralateral side is most likely to result in
Explanation
Question 89
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head after intramedullary nailing in children is thought to be the result of injury to the

Explanation
Question 90
An 83-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus has a history of recurrent infection over the medial aspect of her great toe and has had a painless bunion for the past 45 years. Shoe wear modifications have failed to provide relief. Pedal pulses are palpable. Figures 30a and 30b show the clinical photograph and radiograph. Management should now consist of

Explanation
Question 91
A 30-year-old man who sustained a tibial fracture with a peroneal nerve palsy 2 years ago now has a drop foot and weak eversion of the foot. He reports success with stretching exercises, but he catches his toes when his foot tires. Examination reveals that the foot is plantigrade and supple. What is the next most appropriate step in management?

Explanation
Question 92
A healthy, active, independent 74-year-old woman fell and sustained the elbow injury shown in Figures 41a and 41b. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 93
A 2-year-old boy has complete absence of the sacrum and lower lumbar spine. What is the most likely long-term outcome if no spinal pelvic stabilization is performed?

Explanation
Question 94
A 75-year-old woman reports foot pain and states that her foot has become progressively "flatter" in the past 3 years. Custom inserts and physical therapy have failed to provide relief. Examination reveals a flexible hindfoot and mild heel cord contracture. The patient is able to perform a single limb heel rise. Weight-bearing radiographs are shown in Figures 21a through 21d. What is the most appropriate surgical management?

Explanation
Question 95
Which of the following anatomic structures is labeled 6 in Figure 27?

Explanation
Question 96
The use of radiation therapy is most effective in metastatic bone disease from which of the following tumors?
Explanation
Question 97
A distal radius fracture in an elderly man is strongly predictive for what subsequent injury?

Explanation
Question 98
A 51-year-old woman is seen for evaluation of chronic supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears. Three years ago, in an attempted repair the surgeon was unable to repair the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears. Currently she has a marked amount of pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness. Examination reveals anterosuperior escape. Radiographs show no signs of arthritic changes. You are considering a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. During the discussion, you mention that
Explanation
Question 99
Survival rates for children with soft-tissue sarcoma other than rhabdomyosarcoma are best correlated with
Explanation
Question 100
A 20-year-old woman with a history of subtotal meniscectomy has a painful knee. What associated condition is a contraindication to proceeding with a meniscal allograft?

Explanation
🔗 Read the comprehensive guide: 100 Random Orthopedic MCQs for Board Prep (2026 Update)