Biomechanics & Biomaterials MCQs

Which structural property is the primary determinant of torsional rigidity in a solid intramedullary nail?

A dynamic splint is applied to a patient's contracted elbow, delivering a constant force. Over several days, the joint progressively gains extension. Which biomechanical property of viscoelastic materials does this best describe?

To minimize stress shielding in total joint arthroplasty, engineers seek materials that match the mechanical properties of bone. Which of the following implant materials has a modulus of elasticity closest to that of human cortical bone?

When a tendon is tested in tension, the initial region of its stress-strain curve demonstrates low stiffness before becoming linear. What is responsible for this initial 'toe region'?

During cyclic loading of a tendon, a steady increase in deformation over time while the applied load remains strictly constant is best described by which viscoelastic property?

Which of the following best describes the inherent mechanical behavior of cortical bone?

Which of the following physical properties accurately describes polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement when utilized in arthroplasty?

On a classic stress-strain curve for a typical metallic implant, the exact point at which the material ceases to deform elastically and begins to deform permanently is known as the:

Regarding the modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus), which of the following sequences correctly orders common orthopedic materials from most stiff to least stiff?

Galvanic corrosion in orthopedic implants is most highly accelerated and likely to occur under which of the following specific conditions?

On a standard stress-strain curve for an orthopedic biomaterial, the slope of the curve strictly within its linear elastic region represents which of the following material properties?

A patient undergoes an ACL reconstruction. When the graft is tensioned and secured at a constant fixed length, the tension within the graft is observed to gradually decrease over time. What is this specific viscoelastic property called?

Trunnionosis in total hip arthroplasty, characterized by wear and localized failure at the modular head-neck junction, is primarily initiated by which specific type of corrosion?

During a biomechanical evaluation of a normal human patellar tendon, the initial non-linear "toe region" of the stress-strain curve is observed. What physiological structural property is responsible for this phenomenon?

A viscoelastic material, such as a ligament, is subjected to a constant tensile load over an extended period, resulting in a gradual increase in length over time. This biomechanical property is defined as:

A surgeon implants a stainless steel screw through a titanium plate. What type of corrosion is most likely to occur due to the mixing of these dissimilar metals in the body?

A 60-year-old man presents with a swollen, painful knee. Arthrocentesis yields a synovial fluid with a white blood cell count of 45,000 cells/mcL with 85% polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Under polarized light microscopy, weakly positively birefringent rhomboid crystals are seen. What is the principal composition of these crystals?

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is frequently used in arthroplasty. Which of the following statements best describes the mechanical properties and function of PMMA?

Which of the following orthopedic biomaterials has a modulus of elasticity that is closest to that of human cortical bone?