1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

The corona mortis is a critical vascular anastomosis that can cause life-threatening hemorrhage during pelvic surgery, particularly during the ilioinguinal approach. It represents a connection between which two vascular systems?

Figure 10 represents a cross-section of the shoulder. Which nerve exits the axilla posteriorly through the quadrilateral space?

Figure 4 demonstrates a cross-section of the posterior thigh. The sciatic nerve generally divides into the tibial and common peroneal nerves proximally. Which muscle is exclusively innervated by the common peroneal division of the sciatic nerve?

During the Kocher approach to the radial head, the surgeon dissects through an internervous plane. This plane lies between the extensor carpi ulnaris and which other muscle?

The ilioinguinal approach is commonly used for anterior column acetabular fractures. Which nerve is at greatest risk of iatrogenic injury during the mobilization of the structures in the "middle window"?

During a deltoid-splitting lateral approach to the proximal humerus, the axillary nerve is at significant risk of iatrogenic injury. What is the average anatomical distance from the lateral tip of the acromion to the axillary nerve in an adult?

A patient presents with a severe traction injury to the brachial plexus after a motorcycle collision. Physical examination reveals miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis on the ipsilateral side. Avulsion of which nerve root is most likely responsible for these specific findings?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, severe hemorrhage is encountered upon dissection over the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding is most likely from the corona mortis, an anastomosis between the:

The superficial radial nerve is at risk during the distal extent of the Henry approach to the forearm. Anatomically, it emerges from beneath which muscle in the distal third of the forearm to become subcutaneous?

The Master Knot of Henry is an important anatomical landmark in the plantar aspect of the midfoot. It refers to the intersection where the:

During a posterior cervical foraminotomy at C5-C6, the surgeon is mindful of the boundaries of the intervertebral foramen. The vertebral artery is typically located in which relation to the exiting C6 nerve root?

Figure 4 shows an anatomic dissection of the lateral aspect of the knee.

The primary restraint to external rotation of the tibia at 30 degrees of knee flexion inserts on which of the following structures?

During a Kocher-Langenbeck approach to the hip, the surgeon must protect the primary blood supply to the femoral head. Which structure serves as a critical landmark to protect the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery?

When placing Sacral Alar Iliac (SAI) screws for spinopelvic fixation, the trajectory crosses the SI joint. Which anterior structure is most at risk with an overly anterior and superior trajectory breach of the sacral ala?

During a deltopectoral approach for a proximal humerus fracture, identifying and protecting the axillary nerve is paramount. At what distance distal to the lateral acromial edge does the main trunk of the axillary nerve typically cross the humerus?

A 21-year-old collegiate baseball pitcher is diagnosed with an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear. The anterior bundle of the UCL inserts on the sublime tubercle. Which specific portion of the anterior bundle is most taut in extension?

Figure 25 details the anterior thigh musculature.

A patient requires a femoral nerve block. Which of the following accurately describes the position of the femoral nerve within the femoral triangle?

In atlas (C1) lateral mass screw fixation, the surgeon must avoid both vascular structures. Which anatomic trajectory and starting point minimizes the risk to both the vertebral artery and the internal carotid artery?

During an anterior intrapelvic (modified Stoppa) approach for an acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage occurs near the superior pubic ramus. The most likely source is the corona mortis, which represents an anastomosis between:

A surgeon is performing a lateral transpsoas approach to the L4-L5 disc space. To avoid injury to the lumbar plexus, the retractor should be placed carefully, as the nerve responsible for quadriceps function is located in which region of the psoas muscle at this level?