Orthopedic Board Review: Mock Exam Set #715 - 100 High-Yield MCQs

Key Takeaway
This page offers 100 high-yield orthopedic board review questions, Mock Exam Set 715. Designed for surgeons preparing for ABOS, OITE, and FRCS exams, it covers Trauma, Spine, Sports, and Arthroplasty. Master these MCQs to confidently prepare for your orthopedic boards.
Comprehensive 100-Question Exam
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Question 1
A 29-year-old woman reports shoulder pain after sustaining a minor fall 6 weeks ago. She has a history of celiac sprue. Radiographs of the forearm and shoulder are shown in Figures 53a and 53b. Which of the following serum abnormalities would be expected?

Explanation
Question 2
A 13-year-old girl who is 2 years postmenarche has been referred for management of scoliosis. She denies any history of back pain. Radiographs show a right thoracic curve of 35 degrees. She has a Risser sign of 4 and a bone age of 15.5 years. Management should consist of
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Question 3
A patient who was involved in a motor vehicle accident 2 weeks ago now reports neck pain. Work-up reveals no evidence of nerve root involvement or acute radiographic abnormality. The patient appears to have a hyperextension soft-tissue injury of the neck (whiplash). What is the best course of treatment at this time?

Explanation
Question 4
A 45-year-old woman awakens with the acute onset of burning left shoulder pain that radiates toward the axilla. She denies any history of trauma. On examination, she is unable to abduct her arm but has full passive shoulder motion. Her sensation is intact. Cervical spine examination reveals full range of motion and a negative Spurling's test. Radiographs and MRI studies are normal for the cervical spine and shoulder. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Question 5
Staphylococcus aureus develops methicillin resistance through production of which of the following agents?
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Question 6
What is the most likely late complication associated with cementless total knee replacement?
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Question 7
Figure 41 shows the MRI scan of a 39-year-old man who has severe left groin and anterior thigh pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Question 8
A 30-year-old man has pain in the left arm after a motor vehicle accident. His neurovascular examination is intact, and radiographs are shown in Figures 25a and 25b. What is the best course of management?

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Question 9
Which of the following processes does not account for decreased hematopoiesis in patients with metastatic disease?
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Question 10
Figures 28a through 28c show the MRI scans of a 30-year-old woman who weighs 290 lb and has low back and left leg pain. She also reports frequent urinary dribbling, which her gynecologist has advised her may be related to obesity. Examination will most likely reveal

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Question 11
Examination of a 34-year-old man who has had left leg pain for the past 6 weeks reveals minimal weakness of the left extensor hallucis longus and normal ankle jerk and patellar reflexes. Figure 33 shows an axial MRI scan of the L4-5 disk. Based on these findings, the MRI scan results are consistent with compression of the

Explanation
Question 12
A 5-year-old boy has had right hip pain and a limp for the past 3 months. Examination of the right hip reveals irritability and restricted abduction and internal rotation. AP and lateral radiographs of the hips are shown in Figures 31a and 31b. Initial management should consist of

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Question 13
A 30-year-old woman has pain in her right hand. The radiograph, CT scan, and biopsy specimen are seen in Figures 38a through 38c. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Question 14
A 21-year-old hockey player who has recurrent shoulder subluxations undergoes an anterior capsulorrhaphy under general anesthesia, and an interscalene block is used to relieve postoperative pain. At the 1-week follow-up examination, he reports loss of sensation over the lateral region of the shoulder and is unable to actively contract the deltoid muscle. The remainder of the examination is normal. What is the best course of action at this time?
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Question 15
Following fixation of a displaced intra-articular fracture of the distal humerus through a posterior approach, what is the expected outcome?

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Question 16
What type of multiple lesions is associated with Maffucci's syndrome?
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Question 17
What part of the glenoid labrum has the least vascularity?

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Question 18
The most common mechanism of injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) involves

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Question 19
What clinical finding is associated with the least favorable prognosis in an adolescent patient who has been diagnosed with a high-grade osteosarcoma of the distal femur?

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Question 20
Figure 21 shows the radiograph of a 32-year-old patient with right hip pain that has failed to respond to nonsurgical management. What is the most appropriate surgical treatment at this time?

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Question 21
Which of the following findings is considered a contraindication for posterior decompression (with or without fusion) for myelopathy?

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Question 22
An 18-year-old man was in a motor vehicle accident and sustained a closed head injury, right displaced scapular body and glenoid fractures, a right proximal humeral fracture, fractures of ribs one through three, facial fractures, and bilateral pubic rami fractures with minimal displacement. He has a systolic blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg despite fluid resuscitation. A radiograph is shown in Figure 17. Spiral CT does not identify any thoracic or abdominal injuries. What is the next most appropriate step in management?

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Question 23
A 19-year-old college cross-country runner is amenorrheic and has recurrent stress fractures. Long-term management should consist of
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Question 24
What type of exercise is used early in the rehabilitation process to safely stimulate co-contraction of the scapular and rotator cuff muscles?

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Question 25
Examination of a 28-year-old woman reveals a moderate hallux valgus deformity and a prominence of the medial eminence. She reports that she can participate in all activities, wear 3-inch heels with minimal discomfort, and walk in a 1-inch heel with no pain. However, she is concerned that the deformity will get worse and requests recommendations regarding surgical correction. What is the best course of action?
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Question 26
Which of the following tendons is found in the same dorsal compartment of the wrist as the posterior interosseous nerve?
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Question 27
Which of the following illustrations shown in Figures 21a through 21e correctly shows the projection of the sacroiliac joint on the outer table of the ilium?

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Question 28
A 74-year-old man reports progressive left hip pain with weight-bearing activities. A radiograph is shown in Figure 30. What is the most likely underlying diagnosis?

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Question 29
Figure 14 shows the AP radiograph of a patient who underwent prosthetic arthroplasty 8 years ago and has now become symptomatic again over the past 18 months. A WBC count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are within normal limits, and aspiration of the glenohumeral joint yields a negative Gram stain and cultures. Which of the following procedures will most likely provide the best pain relief and function?

Explanation
Question 30
A 25-year-old man underwent a Putti-Platt repair for recurrent anterior dislocation of his right shoulder 9 months ago. He reports no further episodes of instability but continues to have severely restricted motion, with external rotation limited to less than 0 degrees with the arm at the side. He has pain at the ends of range of motion and restricted activities of daily living despite undergoing nearly 9 months of physical therapy. Radiographs of the shoulder show no arthritic changes. Management should now consist of
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Question 31
Which of the following is considered the most appropriate indication for conversion of a hip fusion to total hip arthroplasty?
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Question 32
A 55-year-old man has had progressive right shoulder pain for the past 2 years. Examination reveals active elevation to 120 degrees, external rotation to 20 degrees, and internal rotation to the sacrum. AP and axillary radiographs are shown in Figures 23a and 23b. Which of the following procedures would result in the most predictable long-term pain relief?

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Question 33
One advantage of using onlay strut allograft in femoral revision surgery is that it can

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Question 34
Mutations of what gene are associated with subsequent development of osteosarcoma?
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Question 35
Figures 20a and 20b show the radiographs of an obese 15-year-old boy who has severe left groin pain and is unable to bear weight following a minor injury. Treatment should consist of

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Question 36
Immobilization of human tendons leads to what changes in structure and/or function?
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Question 37
A 65-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis sustains an extension injury to his cervical spine. Two days later, a progressive neurologic deficit develops at the C6 level. An MRI scan is shown in Figure 1. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 38
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 39
A 35-year-old woman has had significant pain and swelling in the left medial ankle inferior to the medial malleolus for the past 8 months. Physical therapy, brace and orthotic management, and immobilization have failed to provide relief. She is now requesting a more aggressive option to assist in pain relief. Clinical photographs and radiographs are seen in Figures 42a through 42f. Following exposure, a complete rupture of the posterior tibial tendon is visible. What is the most appropriate surgical reconstruction?

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Question 40
Figure 40 shows the radiograph of a 16-year-old wrestler who injured his elbow when he was thrown to the mat by his opponent. Closed reduction is readily accomplished, and the elbow seems stable. Management should now consist of application of a splint for

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Question 41
Which of the following structures runs through the site indicated by the arrow in Figure 11?

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Question 42
Where does the median nerve pass in the proximal forearm?
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Question 43
What is the most consistent finding regarding glenohumeral kinematics in patients with symptomatic tears of the rotator cuff?
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Question 44
For the athlete performing heavy exercise, the magnitude of core temperature and heart rate increase is most proportional to

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Question 45
Which of the following extensor tendons commonly have multiple slips?
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Question 46
An 18-year-old man sustained a knife injury to his midback, with the entry wound 2 cm to the left of the midline. He has been diagnosed with a hemicord transection. Neurologic examination will most likely reveal left-sided loss of
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Question 47
Which of the following best describes the relationship of the anterior tibial artery and dorsalis pedis artery to the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon as they progress from the level of the ankle to the dorsum of the foot?
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Question 48
Figure 24 shows the radiograph of a 10-year-old boy who sustained a valgus injury to the knee. Examination reveals grade III medial laxity. Initial management should consist of

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Question 49
Figure 40 shows the AP radiograph of a 55-year-old man who reports left knee pain. Which of the following conditions is least likely to produce this radiographic presentation?

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Question 50
A 23-year-old man sustains a unilateral jumped facet with an isolated cervical root injury in a motor vehicle accident. Acute reduction results in some initial improvement of his motor weakness. Over the next 48 hours, examination reveals ipsilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation in his face, limbs, and trunk, as well as nystagmus, tinnitus, and diplopia. What is the most likely etiology for these changes?
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Question 51
A type 2A hangman's fracture, which has the potential to overdistract with traction, has which of the following hallmark findings?
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Question 52
Baseball pitchers who have internal impingement will most likely demonstrate what changes in range of motion?

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Question 53
A 52-year-old woman reports mild pain localized to the left sternoclavicular joint. History is notable for chronic renal failure requiring dialysis for the last 5 years. A clinical photograph, chest radiograph, and bone scan are shown in Figures 58a through 58c. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Question 54
Which of the following definitions best describes Batson's vertebral vein system?

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Question 55
Figure 37 shows the clinical photograph of a 1-day-old infant who weighed 10.25 lb at birth. Examination reveals an absent right Moro reflex and limited active motion of the right shoulder, elbow, and wrist, but flexion of the fingers. Passive range of motion of the shoulder and elbow is normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Question 56
Which of the following pharmacologic agents is most likely to adversely affect the success rate of bony union after lumbar arthrodesis?
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Question 57
A 10-year-old child reports acute leg pain after wrestling with his brother. AP and lateral radiographs are shown in Figures 21a and 21b. What is the best course of action?

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Question 58
A 19-year-old college football player reports persistent weakness, tingling, and numbness of both upper extremities at half time. He states that these symptoms initially occurred after tackling an opposing player with his head early in the game. History reveals that he has had "burners" in the past that typically resolved within 15 to 30 minutes. Examination reveals pain-free cervical motion, weakness to shoulder abduction testing bilaterally, normal upper extremity reflexes, and decreased sensation over both shoulders and the upper arms. Appropriate initial management should consist of
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Question 59
A 55-year-old patient is seeking a surgical consultation for a painful flatfoot deformity that has failed to respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, shoe and activity modifications, and orthoses. The patient is of medium build, a nonsmoker, and has no history of diabetes mellitus. Radiographs are shown in Figures 43a through 43c. Based on these findings, treatment should consist of

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Question 60
If heel varus corrects with a Coleman block test, then the hindfoot deformity is flexible. This test proves that the varus is due to a

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Question 61
A 42-year-old woman has persistent thumb pain that she notes is worse with opening jars and turning her car key. Opponens splinting provides some relief, but she is poorly tolerant of the splint. Finkelstein's test is negative, and a carpometacarpal grind test is positive. The radiographs shown in Figures 48a and 48b reveal minimal degenerative changes at the first carpometacarpal joint. What is the best course of action?

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Question 62
A 21-year-old man has had right groin pain for the past year. A radiograph, CT scan, MRI scans, and a biopsy specimen are shown in Figures 50a through 50e. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Question 63
Examination of a 10-year-old girl with a hypoplastic breast and atrophic pectoralis major may also reveal which of the following findings?
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References:
- Poland A: Deficiency of the pectoralis muscle. Guys Hosp Rep 1841;6:191.
Question 64
Which of the following findings is seen in the chest radiograph shown in Figure 13?

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Question 65
Eosinophilic granuloma frequently occurs as a solitary lesion in the tubular long bones. After biopsy, what is the best course of action?

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Question 66
Figure 12 shows the lumbar CT scan of a 24-year-old man who was injured in a snowmobile accident. What is the mechanism of injury?

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Question 67
A 14-year-old boy reports progressive right wrist pain. Radiographs are shown in Figure 3a, and a photomicrograph is shown in Figure 3b. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Question 68
What are the four most common soft-tissue sarcomas to spread via the lymph node system?

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Question 69
During total knee arthroplasty using a posterior cruciate-retaining design, excessive tightness in flexion is noted, while the extension gap is felt to be balanced. Which of the following actions will effectively balance the knee?

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Question 70
What percent of patients initially diagnosed with classic, high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremity have visible evidence of pulmonary metastasis on CT of the chest?

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Question 71
A 4-month-old infant is referred for evaluation of congenital scoliosis. The child has no congenital heart anomalies, and a renal ultrasound shows that he has one kidney. Examination reveals mild scoliosis and a large hairy patch on the child's back. Neurologic evaluation is normal for his age. A clinical photograph and radiograph are shown in Figures 19a and 19b. Initial management should consist of

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Question 72
What is the main benefit of using metal-backed tibial components in total knee arthroplasty?

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Question 73
A 28-year-old hockey player has a shoulder deformity after being checked into the boards. Examination reveals that swelling has improved, but there is tenderness along the distal clavicle. Radiographs reveal a grade II acromioclavicular joint separation. Initial management should consist of
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Question 74
A 37-year-old man with a history of congenital flatfoot reports worsening pain on the medial aspect of his ankle for the past year. The pain is worse with weight bearing and is better with rest and the use of an ankle brace. What findings are shown on the MRI scans shown in Figures 18a through 18c?

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Question 75 High Yield
A 30-year-old man caught his dominant little finger on the straps of his windsurfing board 10 days ago. He reports swelling about the distal phalanx and has difficulty completely extending the distal interphalangeal joint. A radiograph is shown in Figure 47. What is the most appropriate treatment for this injury?

Detailed Explanation
Question 76
A 24-year-old man sustains the injury shown in Figures 19a through 19e in a paragliding accident. He is neurologically intact. He also sustained fractures of his left femur and right distal radius. Which of the following represents the best option for management of the spinal injury?

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Question 77
A 45-year-old woman has idiopathic scoliosis. Surgery is to include an anterior thoracic release through an open left thoracotomy. The thoracotomy will have what effect on the patient's pulmonary function postoperatively?
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Question 78
Figure 16 shows the radiograph of a 7-year-old boy who sustained a pathologic fracture of the left humerus 1 day ago. Initial management should consist of

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Question 79
A 57-year-old man reports right hip pain that has been progressive for the past several months. The pain is exacerbated by weight-bearing activities and improves somewhat with rest. A radiograph is shown in Figure 10a and a coronal T1-weighted MRI scan is shown in Figure 10b. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 80
A 44-year-old woman has bilateral knee pain, and history reveals bilateral hip replacements. Radiographs are seen in Figure 28a, and histopathologic specimens from the total hip replacement are shown in Figures 28b and 28c. Laboratory studies reveal anemia. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Question 81
A 24-year-old man who plays golf noted the immediate onset of pain on the ulnar side of his hand and has been unable to swing a club for the past 6 weeks after striking a tree root with his club during his golf swing. Examination reveals full motion of the wrist, diminished grip strength, and tenderness over the hypothenar region. A CT scan of the hand and wrist is shown in Figure 26. Management should consist of

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Question 82
A study is conducted to measure the difference in bone mineral density between postmenopausal women taking a drug treatment versus those taking a placebo. What is the most important result to be reported from this study?
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Question 83
A 62-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis has had pain and instability of the elbow following total elbow replacement 2 years ago. A complete work-up, including aspiration and cultures, is negative. Figures 9a and 9b show the AP and lateral radiographs. Treatment should consist of

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Question 84
Which of the following patients is considered the most appropriate candidate for an isolated split posterior tendon transfer?

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Question 85
A 62-year-old woman has back pain and right L2 radicular pain. MRI scans suggest a neoplastic lesion at L2, and a bone scan is negative except at L2. History reveals that she was treated for breast cancer without known metastatic disease 12 years ago and is thought to be free of disease. What is the next most appropriate step in management?
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Question 86
A 36-year-old recreational tennis player sustains the injury shown in Figure 16. Management should consist of

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Question 87
A 35-year-old man who snowboards sustained the injury shown in Figures 4a through 4c. What is the mechanism of injury?

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Question 88
A 16-year-old boy has had a painful ingrown nail on his great toe for the past 3 months. When initial management consisting of soaking the foot in Epsom salts and trimming the nail failed to provide relief, his family physician recommended 2 weeks of oral antibiotics. His symptoms persist, and he is now seeking a second opinion. A clinical photograph is shown in Figure 18. Management should now consist of

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Question 89
A 70-year-old woman had poliomyelitis as a young child, and the residual weakness she has as an adult principally involves the lower extremities. She now notes progressive weakness in both legs and she tires easily. What is the best course of action?

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Question 90
The essential lesion responsible for posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow is disruption of the
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Question 91
A 51-year-old man sustained an open fracture of his tibia in Korea 42 years ago. An infection developed and it was resolved with surgical treatment. For the past 6 months, an ulcer with mild drainage has developed over the medial tibia. The ulcer is small and there is minimal erythema at the ulcer site. A radiograph and MRI scan are shown in Figures 43a and Figure 43b. Initial cultures show Staphylococcus aureus susceptible to the most appropriate antibiotics. Laboratory studies show an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 70 mm/h. What is the most appropriate surgical treatment at this time?

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Question 92
In Dupuytren's disease, the retrovascular cord typically displaces the radial proper digital nerve of the ring finger in what direction?
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Question 93
A 72-year-old woman who underwent right total hip arthroplasty 7 years ago now reports right hip pain and limb shortening. Studies for infection are negative. AP and lateral radiographs are shown in Figures 13a and 13b. What is the most appropriate management?

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Question 94
Management of a grade IV osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the capitellum should consist of
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Question 95
A 32-year-old man has posttraumatic arthritis after undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of a left acetabular fracture. A total hip arthroplasty is performed, and the radiograph is shown in Figure 18. What is the most common mode of failure leading to revision in this group of patients?

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Question 96
A patient with a previously pain-free knee replacement now reports a sudden inability to ambulate. Radiographs of the knee are shown in Figures 33a and 33b. Management should consist of

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Question 97
A previously healthy 14-year-old boy now reports fatigue, and has a bilateral Trendelenburg gait, right hip pain, and bilateral knee and foot pain. Biopsy of a right sacral mass reveals intermediate grade osteosarcoma. There are no metastases. Laboratory studies reveal a serum calcium level of 7.7 mg/dL (normal 8.5 to 10.5), a phosphate level of 2.0 mg/dL (normal 2.7 to 4.5), a 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level of less than 10 pg/mL (normal 18 to 62), a parathyroid hormone level of 19 pg/mL (normal 10 to 60), and an alkaline phosphatase level of 428 U/L (normal 15 to 351). What is the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms?
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Question 98
Figure 43 shows an arthroscopic view of the posteromedial compartment of a patient's left knee using a 70-degree arthroscope placed through the intercondylar notch. The arrow is pointing to what structure?

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Question 99
Figures 28a and 28b show the sagittal and axial lumbar MRI scans of a 72-year-old man who reports dull aching back pain that spreads to his legs, calves, and buttocks. He has had the pain for several years and it is precipitated by standing and walking and relieved by sitting. His symptoms have been worsening over the past year and he notes that he is leaning forward while walking to help relieve his symptoms. He has had no treatment to date. What is his prognosis if he chooses to pursue nonsurgical management for this condition?

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Question 100
A patient who underwent closed reduction of the hips as an infant now reports pain. An abduction internal rotation view shows an incongruous joint. Based on the findings shown in Figure 3, what is the most appropriate type of pelvic osteotomy for the right hip?

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