Surgical Anatomy & Approaches MCQs

During a direct anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, an internervous plane is utilized to minimize muscle denervation. Which of the following best describes the nerves supplying the muscles that define this superficial internervous plane?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage occurs while dissecting the posterior aspect of the superior pubic ramus. This is most likely due to iatrogenic injury to an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

While utilizing a lateral approach to the distal humerus, the surgeon must identify the radial nerve as it pierces the lateral intermuscular septum. At what average distance proximal to the radiocapitellar joint does the radial nerve cross this septum?

The dorsal (Thompson) approach to the proximal radius is often used to treat proximal third radius fractures. This approach exploits an internervous plane between which two muscles?

During a Smith-Petersen (anterior) approach to the hip, the superficial internervous plane is utilized. Between which two muscles is this plane, and what are their respective innervations?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage is encountered while dissecting over the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding is most likely originating from an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

Dissection for a distal radius fracture utilizes the volar approach of Henry. The superficial surgical interval is developed between the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and the brachioradialis. Which structure runs immediately deep to the brachioradialis and must be protected and retracted laterally during this exposure?

During an open posterior approach to the shoulder, the internervous plane between the infraspinatus and teres minor is utilized. Which of the following nerve branches is most at risk if the dissection is carried too far medially?

During a direct anterior approach to the hip (Smith-Petersen), the surgeon develops an internervous plane between muscles innervated by which two nerves?

A 28-year-old professional baseball pitcher complains of posterior shoulder pain and numbness over the lateral deltoid. MRI demonstrates isolated atrophy of the teres minor muscle. Which artery travels through the specific anatomic space implicated in this nerve entrapment syndrome?

While performing the anterior (Henry) approach to the middle third of the radius for an open reduction and internal fixation, the surgeon develops an internervous plane. Which two nerves supply the muscles that define the proximal portion of this surgical interval?

A patient presents with a midshaft humerus fracture and an associated complete wrist drop. The injured nerve originally exits the axilla and enters the posterior compartment of the arm by traveling with the profunda brachii artery through which specific anatomic space?

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with posterior shoulder pain and paresthesias over the lateral deltoid. MRI demonstrates isolated atrophy of the teres minor. Which of the following structures forms the inferior border of the anatomical space where the affected nerve is most likely compressed?

A thorough understanding of Hilton's Law is essential when performing diagnostic hip blocks or selective neurectomies for chronic hip pain. Which of the following nerves does NOT typically provide articular branches to the hip joint?

During a standard deltopectoral approach for a total shoulder arthroplasty, the internervous plane is developed to expose the anterior shoulder. What are the respective nerves supplying the two muscles that define this internervous plane?

During a deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the internervous plane is developed. This plane lies between muscles innervated by which of the following specific pairs of nerves?

During a surgical approach to the proximal radius, the surgeon plans to expose the radial shaft. To protect the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN), which muscle should be carefully retracted, considering the PIN passes between its two heads?

During a direct lateral (Hardinge) approach to the hip, extending the proximal split in the gluteus medius more than 3 to 5 cm proximal to the greater trochanter places which of the following structures at highest risk of injury?

In the deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the axillary nerve can be identified at the inferior border of the subscapularis. What is the approximate distance of the axillary nerve from the inferior glenoid labrum at the 6 o'clock position?

During a minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine, which nerve is at greatest risk of iatrogenic injury when working at the L4-L5 disc space?