Surgical Anatomy & Approaches MCQs

In a patient undergoing an MRI for quadrilateral space syndrome, which vascular structure is typically compressed alongside the axillary nerve?

Reviewing an axial MRI of the shoulder, you identify a retracted full-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon. What is the dual motor innervation of this muscle?

On an axial MRI of the distal third of the thigh, multiple hamstring muscles are visualized. Which of these muscles is uniquely innervated by the common peroneal division of the sciatic nerve?

The deltopectoral approach utilizes a true internervous plane to access the anterior shoulder. What are the respective innervations of the two muscles that define this plane?

A 45-year-old male sustains an anterior column and anterior wall acetabular fracture. An ilioinguinal approach is planned. During the exposure, the surgeon identifies a vascular structure passing over the superior pubic ramus connecting the external iliac and obturator systems. This structure is known as the corona mortis. What is the approximate incidence of this vascular variant?

During an ilioinguinal approach for the fixation of an anterior column acetabulum fracture, massive hemorrhage is encountered when dissecting over the superior pubic ramus.

Which of the following vascular structures is most likely injured?

A 28-year-old male sustains a closed, mid-shaft humerus fracture and presents with an isolated radial nerve palsy on initial examination. The fracture is treated with a functional Sarmiento brace. At what time point is surgical exploration of the radial nerve most definitively indicated if there is no clinical or electromyographic (EMG) evidence of recovery?

The Kocher-Langenbeck approach for fixation of a posterior wall acetabular fracture places which of the following nervous structures at highest iatrogenic risk during deep dissection and retractor placement?

A 30-year-old bodybuilder presents with poorly localized posterior shoulder pain and paresthesias over the lateral deltoid. He is diagnosed with quadrilateral space syndrome. Which vascular structure passes through this anatomical space alongside the axillary nerve?

During the anterior intrapelvic (modified Stoppa) approach for an acetabular fracture, an aberrant vascular anastomosis known as the 'corona mortis' is encountered draped over the superior pubic ramus. This vessel represents an anastomosis between the obturator vessels and which of the following?

A 35-year-old male sustains a spiral fracture of the middle third of the humerus (Holstein-Lewis fracture). He presents with a wrist drop. The radial nerve is closely associated with the posterior humerus. Approximately how far proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment of the arm?

A patient presents with classic signs of piriformis syndrome, including buttock pain and sciatic radiculopathy that worsens with prolonged sitting. Anatomical variations in the relationship between the sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle can predispose to this condition. According to Beaton and Anson classification, what is the most common variant (excluding the normal anatomy)?

A spine surgeon is performing a lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) at L4-L5. The retractor must be passed through the psoas major muscle. Which of the following best describes the anatomical location of the lumbar plexus, specifically the femoral nerve, within the psoas major at the L4-L5 disc space level?

In the ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, three distinct 'windows' are utilized for access. Which of the following anatomic structures must be incised to gain access to the true pelvis and strictly divides the lateral window from the middle window?

The adductor canal (Hunter's canal) serves as a passageway for structures moving from the anterior thigh to the popliteal fossa. Which nerve exits the canal by directly piercing its roof (the vastoadductor membrane)?

The posterior aspect of the shoulder contains several defined anatomic spaces through which neurovascular structures pass. Which structure passes through the triangular space?

During a medial surgical approach to the midfoot, a dense fibrous connection is encountered on the plantar aspect beneath the navicular, known as the 'Master Knot of Henry'. Which two tendons cross at this specific anatomic landmark?

When planning a lateral plate osteosynthesis for a distal third humerus fracture, the surgeon must identify the radial nerve as it transitions compartments. At what average distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment of the arm?

A trauma surgeon is using the Stoppa approach for an acetabular fracture. To avoid catastrophic bleeding, the 'corona mortis' must be identified and ligated. This vascular anastomosis crosses the superior pubic ramus at what average distance laterally from the symphysis pubis?