1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

In the deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the cephalic vein is typically identified and retracted laterally. This interval marks the internervous plane between which two nerves?

The posterolateral approach to the femur utilizes the internervous plane between the vastus lateralis and the biceps femoris. What is the innervation of these two muscles, respectively?

A patient presents with weakness in shoulder abduction and external rotation following a posterior shoulder dislocation. The nerve injured passes through a space bordered by which of the following sets of structures?

The volar (Henry) approach to the proximal radius utilizes an internervous plane between which two muscles?

Which vessel provides the primary blood supply to the weight-bearing portion of the adult femoral head?

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, the surgeon must identify and ligate the "corona mortis" to prevent massive hemorrhage. This structure is an anastomosis between the:

During a posterolateral approach to the hip (Kocher-Langenbeck), the piriformis tendon is identified. What nerve exits the sciatic notch immediately superior to the piriformis?

In the standard volar (Henry) approach to the distal radius, the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) is retracted. Between which two tendons is the deep dissection carried out?

A patient sustains a mid-shaft humerus fracture. The radial nerve is at risk as it passes through the intermuscular septum. At what approximate distance from the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum?

What is the primary arterial supply to the femoral head in a healthy 30-year-old adult?

During an anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, the superficial interval is created. Which two muscles define this interval?

During an open posterior approach to the shoulder, the axillary nerve is at risk as it exits the quadrangular space. What forms the superior boundary of this space?

During the ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, significant hemorrhage occurs while dissecting near the superior pubic ramus. This is most likely due to an injury to the corona mortis, which represents an anastomosis between the obturator vessels and which of the following?

The volar (Henry) approach to the proximal radius exposes the bone while navigating between muscle intervals. To safely protect the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) during proximal exposure, the forearm should be placed in which position?

During the deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the conjoined tendon is often retracted to gain exposure. How far distal to the tip of the coracoid process does the musculocutaneous nerve typically enter the coracobrachialis muscle?

During a posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck) approach to the acetabulum, the quadratus femoris muscle is carefully preserved or only partially released. This is primarily to protect which of the following structures?

When performing a lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine (LLIF), a surgeon must navigate the lumbar plexus safely. Which nerve lies directly on the anterior surface of the psoas major muscle?

In an anterior pelvic approach (ilioinguinal), a vascular anastomosis known as the 'corona mortis' may be encountered. This structure typically connects the obturator vessels with which of the following?

The axillary nerve is at risk during inferior capsular release of the shoulder. It exits the axilla through the quadrangular space. What forms the superior border of this space?

During a posterior approach to the hip, the surgeon must remember the anatomical relationship of the sciatic nerve to the short external rotators. In the majority of the population, the sciatic nerve exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen in what relation to the piriformis muscle?