1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

In the flexor tendon pulley system of the fingers, which two annular pulleys are considered most critical to preserve or reconstruct during surgery to prevent tendon bowstringing?

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, significant hemorrhage is encountered behind the superior pubic ramus near the symphysis. This bleeding is most likely originating from the corona mortis, which is an anastomotic connection between the obturator vessels and which of the following?

When performing an anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, the superficial internervous plane is utilized. Which of the following accurately describes the innervation of the muscles defining this plane?

During an anterolateral approach to the distal humerus, the surgeon develops an internervous plane to access the humeral shaft. Which of the following describes the innervation of the muscles defining this plane?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage occurs while dissecting over the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding is most likely originating from an anastomosis between the obturator vessels and which of the following?

A 25-year-old baseball pitcher presents with vague posterior shoulder pain and deltoid weakness. Examination shows atrophy of the teres minor. Which anatomical boundaries define the space where the affected neurovascular bundle is likely compressed?

A 30-year-old rock climber felt a "pop" in his right ring finger while bearing weight on a crimp hold. On examination, there is noticeable bowstringing of the flexor tendons upon resisted finger flexion. Which pulleys are biomechanically most critical to prevent this bowstringing and are most commonly injured in this scenario?

A 35-year-old man sustains a midshaft humerus fracture. During open reduction and internal fixation via an anterolateral approach, the surgeon must identify and protect the radial nerve. At approximately what distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve typically pierce the lateral intermuscular septum?

Following a retroperitoneal hematoma, a patient presents with weak knee extension, weak hip flexion, and an absent patellar reflex. Sensation is decreased over the anterior thigh and medial lower leg. Which nerve is affected, and from which nerve roots does it arise?

During a lateral surgical approach for an Achilles tendon repair, the surgeon carefully dissects to avoid nerve injury. The sural nerve is typically formed by the convergence of the medial sural cutaneous nerve and a communicating branch from which nerve?

A surgeon utilizes the volar (Henry) approach to internally fix a distal radius fracture. During the deep dissection in the distal third of the forearm, the interval is developed between the brachioradialis and the flexor carpi radialis (FCR). Where should the radial artery be safely retracted?

During the anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, the superficial interval is between the sartorius and the tensor fasciae latae. In the deep interval, a muscle is retracted medially. Which nerve provides the primary innervation to this medially retracted muscle?

When performing a deltoid-splitting approach to the proximal humerus, the surgeon must be mindful of the axillary nerve traversing the deep surface of the muscle. What is the generally accepted safe distance from the lateral tip of the acromion to avoid injury to the axillary nerve?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage occurs while dissecting the posterior aspect of the superior pubic ramus. This is most likely due to an injury of the 'corona mortis', which is an anastomosis between the obturator vessels and which of the following?

A surgeon is performing a medial approach to the midfoot and dissects near the Master Knot of Henry. Which of the following statements correctly describes the anatomical relationship of the tendons at this location?

A plastic surgeon harvests a vascularized free fibula flap using a direct lateral approach. The internervous plane developed for this exposure lies between the peroneal muscles and the soleus. Which two nerves supply the muscles defining this plane?

In patients diagnosed with piriformis syndrome, variations in the relationship between the sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle are often noted. According to the Beaton and Anson classification, what is the most common anatomical variant (Type B)?

During the anterior (Henry) approach to the proximal radius, which internervous plane is utilized?

In the Smith-Petersen approach to the hip, what represents the true internervous plane?

A posterior approach to the shoulder is performed. To avoid injury to the axillary nerve, the surgeon must be aware of its course through the quadrangular space. Which of the following forms the inferior border of this space?