Surgical Anatomy & Approaches MCQs

A 28-year-old overhead throwing athlete presents with posterior shoulder pain and isolated teres minor atrophy on MRI. Compression of the axillary nerve is suspected in the quadrilateral space. Which structure forms the superior border of this space?

During a lateral approach to the distal humerus, the radial nerve is identified and mobilized. At what approximate distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve typically pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment of the arm?

The 'corona mortis' is a vascular anastomosis that is at high risk of injury during anterior intrapelvic approaches. It typically connects the obturator system with which of the following vessel systems?

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with insidious onset of poorly localized posterior shoulder pain and paresthesias over the lateral deltoid. MRI reveals isolated atrophy of the teres minor. The neurovascular structures affected are compressed within an anatomical space. What are the precise borders of this space?

A patient presents with weakness in shoulder abduction and external rotation following a posterior shoulder dislocation. MRI shows compression of a nerve passing through the quadrangular space. What are the borders of this space?

During a deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the axillary nerve is at risk when passing near the inferior capsule. At its closest point, approximately what is the distance from the axillary nerve to the inferior glenoid rim?

A patient presents with profound weakness in knee extension and loss of sensation over the anterior thigh following a retroperitoneal hematoma. Which nerve roots form the nerve most likely affected?

Which of the following nerves provides innervation to the upper and lower portions of the subscapularis muscle?

A surgeon is performing an open reduction internal fixation of a proximal humerus fracture using a lateral deltoid-splitting approach. To avoid iatrogenic injury to the axillary nerve, the deltoid split should safely not extend distally beyond what average distance from the lateral edge of the acromion?

A surgeon is performing a lateral transpsoas approach to the L4-L5 disc space. Postoperatively, the patient reports severe weakness in hip flexion and knee extension, along with anterior thigh numbness. Which of the following nerves was most likely injured?

A patient presents with a paralabral cyst compressing a nerve in the quadrangular space of the shoulder. Which blood vessel accompanies the compressed nerve through this specific anatomical space?

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with posterior shoulder pain and deltoid weakness. MRI demonstrates atrophy of the teres minor. Entrapment of the involved nerve occurs in a space bounded laterally by which of the following structures?

During an open Latarjet procedure, the surgeon identifies the musculocutaneous nerve to protect it during coracoid transfer. Approximately how far distal to the tip of the coracoid does the musculocutaneous nerve typically enter the coracobrachialis?

A 45-year-old male sustains a posterior wall acetabular fracture with a posterior hip dislocation. Reduction is performed in the emergency department. Post-reduction examination reveals a foot drop and inability to extend the great toe. Sensation is decreased over the dorsum of the foot. Which nerve and specific division are most likely injured?

A 28-year-old male sustains a posterior hip dislocation. Closed reduction in the emergency department is unsuccessful. A CT scan reveals a small, incarcerated osteochondral fragment within the acetabular fossa. What is the most appropriate surgical approach for open reduction?

A 45-year-old woman falls on an outstretched hand and sustains a capitellum fracture that extends medially to involve the majority of the trochlea (Dubberley Type 2). Which surgical approach provides the most optimal visualization for anatomic reduction of this complex articular injury?

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

A 28-year-old passenger in an MVC sustains a severe dashboard injury resulting in a posterior hip dislocation. Upon reduction, physical examination reveals a dense foot drop, with an inability to actively dorsiflex or evert the ankle. Which specific neural structure is most commonly injured in this scenario?

During an anterior ilioinguinal approach for the fixation of an anterior column acetabular fracture, severe hemorrhage occurs while dissecting near the superior pubic ramus. Which of the following vascular structures is most likely injured?

A 28-year-old female sustains a closed midshaft humerus fracture with an immediate, complete radial nerve palsy. She is managed nonoperatively in a functional brace. At 12 weeks, there is no clinical or electromyographic (EMG) evidence of radial nerve recovery. What is the next most appropriate step in management?