1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

During a lateral approach to the distal humerus, the radial nerve is identified and mobilized. At what approximate distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve typically pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment of the arm?

The pectoralis major tendon inserts onto the lateral lip of the bicipital groove. Which of the following best describes the anatomical arrangement of its fibers at the insertion site?

The 'corona mortis' is a vascular anastomosis that is at high risk of injury during anterior intrapelvic approaches. It typically connects the obturator system with which of the following vessel systems?

In normal pelvic anatomy, the sciatic nerve typically exits the greater sciatic foramen in what positional relationship to the piriformis muscle?

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with insidious onset of poorly localized posterior shoulder pain and paresthesias over the lateral deltoid. MRI reveals isolated atrophy of the teres minor. The neurovascular structures affected are compressed within an anatomical space. What are the precise borders of this space?

Which of the following best describes the blood supply to the adult medial meniscus?

A patient presents with weakness in shoulder abduction and external rotation following a posterior shoulder dislocation. MRI shows compression of a nerve passing through the quadrangular space. What are the borders of this space?

The popliteus muscle acts to unlock the knee from a fully extended position. What is its specific action on the tibia during early knee flexion in an open kinetic chain?

During a deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the axillary nerve is at risk when passing near the inferior capsule. At its closest point, approximately what is the distance from the axillary nerve to the inferior glenoid rim?

A patient presents with profound weakness in knee extension and loss of sensation over the anterior thigh following a retroperitoneal hematoma. Which nerve roots form the nerve most likely affected?

Which of the following nerves provides innervation to the upper and lower portions of the subscapularis muscle?

The iliotibial (IT) band inserts onto Gerdy's tubercle. During knee motion, the IT band shifts relative to the lateral femoral epicondyle. At what angle of knee flexion does the IT band typically snap posteriorly over the epicondyle?

A surgeon is performing an open reduction internal fixation of a proximal humerus fracture using a lateral deltoid-splitting approach. To avoid iatrogenic injury to the axillary nerve, the deltoid split should safely not extend distally beyond what average distance from the lateral edge of the acromion?

During a pectoralis major tendon repair for a complete rupture at the humerus, the surgeon must identify the distinct sternal and clavicular heads. Which statement correctly describes the complex anatomic insertion of the pectoralis major tendon on the humerus?

A surgeon is performing a lateral transpsoas approach to the L4-L5 disc space. Postoperatively, the patient reports severe weakness in hip flexion and knee extension, along with anterior thigh numbness. Which of the following nerves was most likely injured?

Which of the following accurately describes the regional vascularity and healing potential of the meniscus in a young adult knee?

A patient presents with a paralabral cyst compressing a nerve in the quadrangular space of the shoulder. Which blood vessel accompanies the compressed nerve through this specific anatomical space?

The superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) is a key static stabilizer of the knee. Proximal to its primary attachment on the medial epicondyle, where does its distal tibial attachment firmly insert?

A 24-year-old weightlifter ruptures his pectoralis major tendon. During an open anatomic repair, the surgeon isolates the sternal and clavicular heads. Which of the following describes the insertion of the sternal head relative to the clavicular head on the lateral lip of the bicipital groove?

A patient sustains a high-energy knee dislocation (KD-III). Vascular surgery is consulted due to an absent dorsalis pedis pulse. The popliteal artery is exceptionally prone to traction injury in this scenario because it is tethered at which two anatomical landmarks?