Surgical Anatomy & Approaches MCQs

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, the "corona mortis" is encountered and must be carefully ligated to prevent catastrophic bleeding. What vessels are connected by the corona mortis?

A patient presents with an inability to form a valid "OK" sign, instead demonstrating a pinch with extended interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints of the thumb and index finger. Assuming an isolated anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) palsy, which of the following muscles will maintain intact innervation?

A 35-year-old weightlifter presents with vague posterior shoulder pain and weakness in external rotation. An MRI reveals an isolated cyst compressing a nerve within the quadrangular space. Which of the following muscles forms the superior border of this anatomic space?

A volar surgical approach to the proximal radius (Henry approach) requires developing an internervous plane. Which of the following muscles is a component of the "mobile wad of Henry" that is retracted laterally during this approach?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage occurs just posterior to the superior pubic ramus. This is most likely due to an injury to the "corona mortis," which is an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

A patient sustains a midshaft humerus fracture and subsequently presents with an inability to extend the wrist and digits, but retains the ability to extend the elbow. Sensation is decreased over the dorsal web space. The injured nerve originates from which cord(s) of the brachial plexus?

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, massive bleeding occurs while dissecting over the superior pubic ramus. Which of the following represents the most likely anatomical source of this hemorrhage?

A patient sustains a posterior shoulder dislocation and subsequently demonstrates weakness in shoulder external rotation and a sensory deficit over the lateral deltoid. The affected nerve exits the axilla through a space bordered superiorly by which of the following structures?

During a deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the cephalic vein is typically retracted. Which of the following describes the correct internervous plane for this approach?

A surgeon is performing an anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip. The superficial surgical interval is between the sartorius and the tensor fasciae latae. What is the internervous plane of this superficial interval?

An orthopedic resident is dissecting the posterior shoulder. The quadrangular space transmits the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery. Which of the following forms the superior border of this space in a normal anatomic specimen?

The Thompson (posterolateral) approach to the proximal radius utilizes an internervous plane between which two muscles?

An anterior approach to the humeral shaft utilizes the plane between the biceps brachii and brachialis. During deep dissection, the brachialis muscle is split longitudinally. Which aspect of the split brachialis is retracted laterally to protect the radial nerve?

During the ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, the surgeon develops three surgical "windows." What anatomical structure forms the boundary between the lateral and middle windows?

A spine surgeon is performing a lateral transpsoas approach (LLIF) for an L4-L5 interbody fusion. Which of the following nerves emerges on the anterior surface of the psoas major muscle and runs longitudinally, making it particularly vulnerable to injury during initial retractor placement?

The anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip utilizes a true internervous plane. Which two nerves supply the muscles that form the superficial boundary of this interval?

A patient develops posterior shoulder pain and weakness in external rotation following a direct blow to the posterior axilla. Compression in the quadrangular space is suspected. Which of the following structures pass through this space?

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, massive bleeding occurs upon dissection near the superior pubic ramus. This is most likely due to injury to the "corona mortis," which is an anastomosis between the:

When performing a lateral approach to the distal humerus, the radial nerve is identified as it pierces the lateral intermuscular septum. At what average distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does this occur?

The anterior (volar) approach to the radius (Henry approach) proximally exploits the internervous plane between which two muscles?