1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

When performing an anterolateral approach to the distal half of the humerus, the radial nerve must be identified and protected. In this distal region, the primary internervous plane is developed between which two muscles?

During a posterior approach to the humeral shaft for open reduction internal fixation of a spiral midshaft fracture, the radial nerve is identified within the spiral groove. Which blood vessel accompanies the radial nerve in this anatomic location?

During diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy, an anterior portal is created using an outside-in technique. The portal should be placed just lateral to the coracoid process. Misplacement of this portal too far medially significantly increases the risk of injuring which neurovascular bundle as it enters the conjoint tendon?

During a posterior approach to the shoulder, the surgeon identifies the teres minor, teres major, long head of the triceps, and the humeral shaft. Which of the following neurovascular structures traverses this specific anatomic space?

When performing a lateral approach to the distal humerus, the surgeon must protect the radial nerve. On average, at what distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment?

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, severe hemorrhage occurs over the posterior aspect of 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 direct anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip utilizes an internervous plane between the sartorius and tensor fasciae latae. Which of the following structures is most at risk of injury in the superficial dissection of this approach?

During a direct lateral (Hardinge) approach to the hip, proximal splitting of the gluteus medius must be limited to prevent denervation of its anterior portion and the tensor fasciae latae. What is the generally accepted maximal safe distance for this split proximal to the tip of the greater trochanter?

In the normal anatomic variant, the sciatic nerve exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen. What is its relationship to the piriformis muscle in the vast majority of the general population?

During a deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the cephalic vein is typically identified and retracted laterally to protect its tributaries. The cephalic vein marks the internervous plane between muscles innervated by which of the following pairs of nerves?

During a Kocher-Langenbeck approach for a posterior wall acetabular fracture, a blunt retractor is placed over the anterior rim of the acetabulum to assist with exposure. Which of the following structures is most at risk of iatrogenic injury due to improper placement of this anterior retractor?

A surgeon utilizes the anterior Henry approach to the proximal radius to treat a radial head fracture. The dissection proceeds between the brachioradialis and pronator teres. Which nerve provides motor innervation to the muscle forming the lateral border of this interval?

In the modified Stoppa approach to the anterior pelvic ring, the surgeon must identify and often ligate the "corona mortis" to prevent massive hemorrhage. This structure is typically an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

A patient presents with isolated weakness of external rotation of the shoulder following a posterior labral repair. Abduction is full and symmetric to the contralateral side. Which of the following anatomical locations is the most likely site of neural compression or injury?

The deltopectoral approach utilizes a true internervous plane. Which two nerves supply the muscles defining this surgical interval?

During an anterolateral approach to the distal tibia, the extensor retinaculum is incised. To safely expose the bone, a specific neurovascular bundle must be identified and mobilized medially. Which structures compose this bundle?

In the Smith-Petersen (anterior) approach to the hip, an internervous plane is utilized both superficially and deep. What are the innervating nerves of the muscles comprising the superficial interval?

When splitting the brachialis muscle during an anterolateral approach to the humeral shaft, the muscle is divided longitudinally. Why is this split considered safe, and what is the underlying innervation pattern?

During a Kocher-Langenbeck approach for an acetabular fracture, the surgeon extends the split in the gluteus maximus proximally. Which structure is at greatest risk of iatrogenic injury if the split extends more than 5 cm proximal to the tip of the greater trochanter?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, massive hemorrhage occurs near the superior pubic ramus. The bleeding is most likely originating from the "corona mortis", which is an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?