Biomechanics & Biomaterials MCQs

An orthopedic surgeon is planning to revise a fractured femoral stem but opts to retain a well-fixed cobalt-chromium modular head. If a new titanium alloy stem is implanted and mated with the existing cobalt-chromium head, what type of corrosion is theoretically most accelerated at this modular junction?

Which of the following biomechanical terms best describes the progressive deformation of a viscoelastic material, such as articular cartilage, when subjected to a constant load over time?

Failure of a modular total hip arthroplasty at the head-neck junction often involves crevice corrosion. Which of the following initiates this specific type of corrosion in orthopedic implants?

On a standard stress-strain curve representing the mechanical behavior of cortical bone, what does the slope of the linear elastic region represent?

During anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the graft is tensioned and secured. Over time, the surgeon notes that the tension required to hold the graft at a constant length decreases. Which viscoelastic property does this phenomenon represent?

During a complex revision total hip arthroplasty, a surgeon utilizes a 316L stainless steel screw to secure a titanium alloy acetabular component. Which of the following complications is most likely to occur at the interface of these two metals?

A researcher is studying the mechanical properties of cortical bone. On a standard stress-strain curve representing the tensile testing of a bone specimen, what term defines the exact point where the material transitions from elastic deformation to permanent plastic deformation?

A researcher is evaluating an orthopedic implant made of a titanium alloy. During mechanical testing, the material is loaded into its elastic range and held at a constant strain. Over time, the internal force within the material progressively decreases. What biomechanical phenomenon does this describe?

A biomechanical evaluation of a new synthetic ligament reveals that the material becomes stiffer as the rate of applied tension increases. This time- and rate-dependent material behavior is best described as:

Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process that occurs when two dissimilar metals are placed in physical contact within a conductive fluid environment. Which of the following metal combinations is highly susceptible to this specific type of corrosion and generally avoided in orthopedics?

Articular cartilage is divided into distinct zones. Which of the following best describes the organization of collagen fibers in the superficial (tangential) zone?

Which of the following metallic orthopedic implant materials has a modulus of elasticity closest to that of cortical bone?

Pediatric bone:

When analyzing the biomechanical properties of a tendon, it is noted that applying a constant load over a prolonged period causes the tendon to gradually elongate. This viscoelastic phenomenon is best described as:

During viscoelastic testing of a tendon, a constant load is applied over time, resulting in progressive deformation (elongation) of the tissue. What is this biomechanical phenomenon called?

A surgeon is considering using a stainless steel screw in combination with a titanium plate for fracture fixation. Which of the following best describes the primary risk associated with mixing these two metals?

Galvanic corrosion in orthopedic implants occurs when two dissimilar metals are placed in physical contact within a conductive fluid environment. Which of the following metal combinations carries the highest risk of significant galvanic corrosion?

During surgical repair of a Zone II flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) laceration, which of the following pulleys is most critical to preserve or reconstruct to prevent bowstringing of the tendon?