1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with posterior shoulder pain and paresthesias over the lateral deltoid. MRI demonstrates isolated atrophy of the teres minor. Which of the following structures forms the inferior border of the anatomical space where the affected nerve is most likely compressed?

A 45-year-old man requires a sural nerve graft for a delayed brachial plexus reconstruction. During the harvest of the sural nerve in the distal posterior leg, which anatomical structure is located immediately adjacent to it and must be carefully protected?

A thorough understanding of Hilton's Law is essential when performing diagnostic hip blocks or selective neurectomies for chronic hip pain. Which of the following nerves does NOT typically provide articular branches to the hip joint?

A patient sustains a laceration to the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon of the middle finger, which is repaired primarily. Postoperatively, the patient experiences limited active flexion of the uninjured ring and small fingers. What anatomical feature primarily accounts for this phenomenon?

During a standard deltopectoral approach for a total shoulder arthroplasty, the internervous plane is developed to expose the anterior shoulder. What are the respective nerves supplying the two muscles that define this internervous plane?

During a deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the internervous plane is developed. This plane lies between muscles innervated by which of the following specific pairs of nerves?

During a surgical approach to the proximal radius, the surgeon plans to expose the radial shaft. To protect the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN), which muscle should be carefully retracted, considering the PIN passes between its two heads?

During a direct lateral (Hardinge) approach to the hip, extending the proximal split in the gluteus medius more than 3 to 5 cm proximal to the greater trochanter places which of the following structures at highest risk of injury?

In the deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the axillary nerve can be identified at the inferior border of the subscapularis. What is the approximate distance of the axillary nerve from the inferior glenoid labrum at the 6 o'clock position?

The primary restraint to varus stress at the knee at 30 degrees of flexion is the fibular collateral ligament (FCL). What is the anatomical location of the FCL footprint on the femur relative to the lateral epicondyle?

During a minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine, which nerve is at greatest risk of iatrogenic injury when working at the L4-L5 disc space?

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, the "corona mortis" is encountered and must be carefully ligated to prevent catastrophic bleeding. What vessels are connected by the corona mortis?

During an anterolateral approach to the distal tibia, the superficial peroneal nerve must be protected to prevent painful neuromas. Where does this nerve typically pierce the crural fascia to become subcutaneous?

A patient presents with an inability to form a valid "OK" sign, instead demonstrating a pinch with extended interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints of the thumb and index finger. Assuming an isolated anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) palsy, which of the following muscles will maintain intact innervation?

A 35-year-old weightlifter presents with vague posterior shoulder pain and weakness in external rotation. An MRI reveals an isolated cyst compressing a nerve within the quadrangular space. Which of the following muscles forms the superior border of this anatomic space?

During a plantar approach for an excision of a plantar fibroma, the surgeon dissects near the Master Knot of Henry. Which two tendons cross at this specific anatomic landmark?

A volar surgical approach to the proximal radius (Henry approach) requires developing an internervous plane. Which of the following muscles is a component of the "mobile wad of Henry" that is retracted laterally during this approach?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage occurs just posterior to 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 patient sustains a midshaft humerus fracture and subsequently presents with an inability to extend the wrist and digits, but retains the ability to extend the elbow. Sensation is decreased over the dorsal web space. The injured nerve originates from which cord(s) of the brachial plexus?

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, massive bleeding occurs while dissecting over the superior pubic ramus. Which of the following represents the most likely anatomical source of this hemorrhage?