1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

A patient sustains a displaced fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus. Which neurovascular bundle is at the highest risk of injury due to its location in the quadrangular space?

During a zone II flexor tendon repair, preservation of the pulley system is critical to prevent tendon bowstringing. Which two pulleys are considered the most biomechanically essential to preserve or reconstruct?

A surgeon is performing an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior pelvic ring fracture. Severe hemorrhage is encountered while dissecting over the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding is most likely originating from an anomalous vascular connection between which two vessels?

When utilizing the anterior approach (Henry) to the proximal radius, the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is at risk. The nerve typically enters the supinator muscle through which of the following anatomic structures?

A medial approach to the midfoot requires dissection near the Master Knot of Henry. Which two tendons cross at this specific anatomic landmark?

The medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) provides the primary blood supply to the adult femoral head. During its normal anatomical course, the MCFA typically passes between which two muscles?

A patient presents with a deep space infection of the forearm requiring surgical drainage of Parona's space. What are the volar (roof) and dorsal (floor) boundaries of this anatomic space?

During open reduction and internal fixation of a midshaft humerus fracture via a posterior approach, the radial nerve must be identified. At what approximate distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum?

During the ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, the "corona mortis" poses a significant bleeding risk. This vascular structure is an anastomosis between which two systems?

The internervous plane for the distal extension of the anterolateral approach to the humerus lies between which two muscles?

A 28-year-old volleyball player presents with isolated weakness in external rotation of the shoulder. Abduction strength is 5/5. MRI reveals a paralabral cyst compressing a nerve. At which anatomical location is the cyst most likely located?

During a posterior approach to the humerus, the radial nerve is identified. Approximately how far proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve typically pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment?

The quadrangular space of the shoulder is bound by the teres minor, teres major, long head of the triceps, and surgical neck of the humerus. Which two structures pass through this space?

During a Smith-Petersen approach to the hip, the internervous plane is developed to access the anterior joint capsule. This plane is defined by muscles innervated by which of the following pairs of nerves?

During an ilioinguinal approach for open reduction of an anterior column acetabular fracture, severe hemorrhage is encountered upon dissection just posterior to the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding is most likely originating from an anastomotic connection between which two vascular systems?

When performing a posterior cervical fusion with instrumentation, the surgeon must be cognizant of the course of the vertebral artery. At which cervical level does the vertebral artery typically first enter the transverse foramen?

During a volar (Henry) approach to the proximal third of the radius, adequate exposure of the supinator muscle requires mobilization of the mobile wad. What specific vascular structure must be ligated and divided to allow full lateral retraction of these muscles?

During a lateral deltoid-splitting approach for fixation of a proximal humerus fracture, the axillary nerve is at risk of iatrogenic injury. Approximately how far distal to the lateral edge of the acromion does the axillary nerve typically course on the deep surface of the deltoid?

Anatomical variations in the relationship between the sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle can theoretically contribute to piriformis syndrome. In the most common normal anatomical arrangement, how does the sciatic nerve traverse the greater sciatic foramen relative to the piriformis?

During a lateral transpsoas approach (LLIF) to the lumbar spine at the L4-L5 disc space, the surgeon must carefully navigate the lumbar plexus to avoid neurologic injury. Which nerve pierces the anterior surface of the psoas major muscle and is highly vulnerable during initial psoas muscle splitting and retraction?