Surgical Anatomy & Approaches MCQs

During a direct anterior approach to the hip (Smith-Petersen), the superficial internervous plane is utilized. Which nerves supply the muscles defining this superficial plane?

In approximately 15-20% of the population, the sciatic nerve has an anatomical variation in its relationship with the piriformis muscle. What is the most common variant?

What ligament of the hip is considered the strongest in the human body, acting primarily to prevent hyperextension of the hip joint?

A patient undergoes pelvic lymph node dissection and subsequently presents with weakness in hip adduction and paresthesias over the medial aspect of the thigh. Which nerve was most likely injured as it courses through the pelvis?

During an anterolateral approach to the hip (Watson-Jones), the internervous plane is between the tensor fasciae latae and the gluteus medius. What is the nerve supply to these two muscles?

The hip joint capsule is reinforced by several ligaments. Which capsular ligament is located posteriorly and is primarily responsible for limiting internal rotation of the hip in extension?

A 30-year-old male sustains a posterior hip dislocation. Post-reduction, he exhibits a foot drop and weakness in great toe extension, but plantar flexion is preserved. Which portion of the sciatic nerve is most vulnerable in this injury?

During a modified Stoppa approach for a pelvic ring fracture, the surgeon encounters massive arterial hemorrhage just posterior to the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding is most likely originating from an anastomosis between which of the following vessels?

An anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip is selected for an open reduction of a developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). What represents the superficial internervous plane for this approach?

During a piriformis-sparing posterior approach to the hip, the surgeon visualizes an anatomic variant of the sciatic nerve. In approximately 10% of the population, a portion of the sciatic nerve pierces or passes superior to the piriformis. Which neural element is most commonly involved in this variant?

The ilioinguinal approach provides excellent exposure of the anterior column of the acetabulum. The exposure is traditionally divided into three distinct anatomical 'windows'. Which structures are primarily located and mobilized within the middle window?

Following a technically challenging hip arthroscopy performed on a traction table, the patient reports severe perineal numbness and erectile dysfunction. This complication is most likely caused by direct compression of which nerve against the perineal post?

Which ligament is considered the strongest ligament in the human body and acts as the primary restraint to hyperextension of the hip joint?

To minimize tension on the sciatic nerve while placing retractors during a Kocher-Langenbeck approach for acetabular fracture fixation, the ipsilateral lower extremity should be placed in which of the following positions?

The ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum provides access to the anterior column. The 'middle window' of this approach is bounded by which of the following structures?

During an anterior intrapelvic (modified Stoppa) approach, the surgeon must be cautious of the 'corona mortis'. This vascular structure represents an anastomosis between which two systems?

A direct anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach is used for a hip arthroplasty. During the superficial dissection, which nerve is most at risk of iatrogenic injury?

When performing a posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck) approach to the acetabulum, what is the true internervous plane utilized?

During fracture fixation via the modified Stoppa approach, mobilization of the obturator neurovascular bundle is required to visualize the quadrilateral plate. Through which structure does this bundle exit the true pelvis?

During an anterolateral (Watson-Jones) approach to the hip, which vascular structure crosses the surgical interval and typically requires ligation to achieve adequate deep exposure?