1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

An orthopedic surgeon is performing a posterior approach to the humerus. The radial nerve is identified in the spiral groove. At what approximate distance proximal to the radiocapitellar joint does the radial nerve typically pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment?

During a volar (Henry) approach to the proximal radius, the surgeon supinates the forearm to protect the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). Supination achieves this protection by displacing the PIN in which direction relative to the surgical plane?

When planning for C1-C2 transarticular screw placement, preoperative imaging is reviewed to assess the vertebral artery course. In standard cervical anatomy, the vertebral artery arises from the subclavian artery and enters the transverse foramen at which cervical level?

A 22-year-old athlete requires an anatomic repair of a completely avulsed superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL). The femoral origin is on the medial epicondyle. Where is the normal anatomic insertion of the sMCL on the proximal tibia?

During a direct anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, an internervous plane is utilized to minimize muscle denervation. Which of the following best describes the nerves supplying the muscles that define this superficial internervous plane?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage occurs while dissecting the posterior aspect of the superior pubic ramus. This is most likely due to iatrogenic injury to an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

While utilizing a lateral approach to the distal humerus, the surgeon must identify the radial nerve as it pierces the lateral intermuscular septum. At what average distance proximal to the radiocapitellar joint does the radial nerve cross this septum?

During a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy for an adult-acquired flatfoot deformity, excessive medial and superior translation of the posterior tuberosity fragment puts which of the following nerves at the highest risk of injury?

A patient sustains a high-energy posterior knee dislocation. An angiogram shows an intimal tear of the popliteal artery. The artery is tightly tethered and particularly vulnerable to injury at which proximal and distal anatomical boundaries?

The dorsal (Thompson) approach to the proximal radius is often used to treat proximal third radius fractures. This approach exploits an internervous plane between which two muscles?

A medial approach is used to buttress a posteromedial tibial plateau fracture. The surgeon must dissect meticulously near the pes anserinus. From anterior/superior to posterior/inferior, what is the correct arrangement of the tendinous insertions of the pes anserinus?

During a Smith-Petersen (anterior) approach to the hip, the superficial internervous plane is utilized. Between which two muscles is this plane, and what are their respective innervations?

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

During a direct lateral (Hardinge) approach to the hip, the anterior portion of the gluteus medius and vastus lateralis are split. Proximal propagation of the split in the gluteus medius is typically limited to 3-5 cm superior to the greater trochanter to prevent injury to which nerve?

Dissection for a distal radius fracture utilizes the volar approach of Henry. The superficial surgical interval is developed between the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and the brachioradialis. Which structure runs immediately deep to the brachioradialis and must be protected and retracted laterally during this exposure?

During an open posterior approach to the shoulder, the internervous plane between the infraspinatus and teres minor is utilized. Which of the following nerve branches is most at risk if the dissection is carried too far medially?

During a direct anterior approach to the hip (Smith-Petersen), the surgeon develops an internervous plane between muscles innervated by which two nerves?

A 28-year-old professional baseball pitcher complains of posterior shoulder pain and numbness over the lateral deltoid. MRI demonstrates isolated atrophy of the teres minor muscle. Which artery travels through the specific anatomic space implicated in this nerve entrapment syndrome?

While performing the anterior (Henry) approach to the middle third of the radius for an open reduction and internal fixation, the surgeon develops an internervous plane. Which two nerves supply the muscles that define the proximal portion of this surgical interval?

A patient presents with a midshaft humerus fracture and an associated complete wrist drop. The injured nerve originally exits the axilla and enters the posterior compartment of the arm by traveling with the profunda brachii artery through which specific anatomic space?