Physiology & Rehabilitation MCQs

During the swing phase of the human gait cycle, the knee joint experiences relatively low compressive loads and high sliding speeds. Which mechanism of articular cartilage lubrication predominates under these conditions?

During a direct lateral (Hardinge) approach to the hip, proximal splitting of the gluteus medius must be limited to prevent denervation of its anterior portion and the tensor fasciae latae. What is the generally accepted maximal safe distance for this split proximal to the tip of the greater trochanter?

A 45-year-old weightlifter feels a sudden tear in his chest while performing a heavy bench press. Examination reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold and weakness with internal rotation. The ruptured tendon typically inserts into which of the following anatomic locations?

A 30-year-old competitive powerlifter feels a sharp pop in his chest while attempting a heavy bench press. Exam reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold and weakness in internal rotation.

Where does the pectoralis major most commonly rupture in this scenario?

A 30-year-old competitive weightlifter sustains an acute pectoralis major tear while bench pressing. Examination reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold. Where do these ruptures most commonly occur?

Skeletal muscle biopsy of the gastrocnemius in an elite marathon runner reveals a heavy predominance of Type I muscle fibers. Which of the following best characterizes the physiological properties of these fibers?

Because mature articular cartilage is avascular and hypoxic, chondrocytes must rely predominantly on which metabolic pathway for their cellular energy (ATP) production?

Due to the avascular nature of normal articular cartilage, mature chondrocytes reside in a relatively hypoxic environment. They generate ATP required for extracellular matrix synthesis primarily through:

Adult articular chondrocytes exist in an avascular environment. Which of the following pathways is their primary source of energy production?

During the normal gait cycle, articular cartilage relies on different lubrication mechanisms. At the initiation of movement under high loads and low speeds, which lubrication mechanism predominates?

Articular chondrocytes primarily rely on which of the following metabolic pathways for energy production?

Mature articular chondrocytes reside in an avascular environment and must generate cellular energy under characteristically hypoxic conditions. They derive the vast majority of their ATP through which of the following metabolic pathways?

Biomechanical analysis of normal human gait reveals significant joint reaction forces. During the single-limb stance phase, the hip joint reaction force is approximately what multiple of total body weight?

Which type of muscle contraction generates the highest maximum tension?

A 30-year-old weightlifter feels a tearing sensation in his anterior axilla while performing a heavy bench press. Examination reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold and weakness in internal rotation. Which portion of the pectoralis major is most commonly ruptured in this scenario?

A patient with advanced unilateral hip osteoarthritis is instructed to use a cane. To maximally reduce the joint reaction force on the affected hip, the cane should be held in the contralateral hand. What is the primary biomechanical reason for this reduction?

When advising a patient with severe left hip osteoarthritis on the use of a single-point cane, you instruct them to hold the cane in their right hand. What is the primary biomechanical rationale for this instruction?

A 70-year-old man with a known history of severe cervical stenosis is involved in a rear-end motor vehicle collision, resulting in a hyperextension injury. He presents to the ED with 1/5 motor strength in his bilateral upper extremities and 4/5 strength in his lower extremities. Proprioception and perianal sensation are intact. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 35-year-old male bodybuilder feels a sudden pop in his anterior axilla while performing a heavy bench press. He presents with ecchymosis, swelling, and a loss of the anterior axillary fold. MRI confirms a complete rupture of the pectoralis major tendon. Where does this rupture most commonly occur?

A 28-year-old competitive weightlifter experiences a tearing sensation in his anterior chest wall during a heavy bench press. Examination reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold and weakness in internal rotation. In a typical pectoralis major rupture, which head of the muscle tears most commonly?