1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

A patient develops a severe horseshoe abscess of the hand extending from the thumb to the small finger. The infection spreads proximally into the distal forearm. In which anatomical space does this proximal extension reside?

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee is increasingly recognized for its role in controlling rotatory laxity. What are its precise anatomical landmarks?

A marathon runner complains of medial heel pain and paresthesias radiating to the first three toes. The nerve involved in this condition runs beneath the flexor retinaculum. Which of the following muscles is innervated by the terminal branch of this nerve?

A 25-year-old sustains a bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus. The surgeon decides to repair the tear, relying on the vascularity of the peripheral meniscus. Which arteries provide the primary blood supply to the peripheral menisci?

When performing an open reduction and internal fixation of a proximal humerus fracture via a deltopectoral approach, the surgeon must be aware of the axillary nerve. How far distal to the lateral edge of the acromion does the axillary nerve typically cross the humerus?

A weightlifter sustains a complete rupture of the pectoralis major tendon at its insertion. To perform an anatomic repair, the surgeon must understand its bilaminar insertion. Which segment of the muscle forms the posterior lamina of the insertion?

During an anterolateral (Watson-Jones) approach to the hip for a total hip arthroplasty, the surgical interval lies between the tensor fasciae latae and the gluteus medius. What is the innervation of the muscles defining this interval?

During a modified Stoppa approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, significant bleeding is encountered from the "corona mortis". This vascular structure represents an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

During a posterior triceps-splitting approach to the humerus for fracture fixation, the radial nerve is identified. At what approximate distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve typically pierce the lateral intermuscular septum?

In the anterior approach to the hip (Smith-Petersen), the superficial surgical interval relies on an internervous plane. Which of the following describes the innervation of the muscles defining this plane?

During an anterolateral approach to the distal tibia, the superficial peroneal nerve is at risk. At what average distance proximal to the lateral malleolus does this nerve pierce the crural fascia to become subcutaneous?

During the ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, severe bleeding occurs over the superior pubic ramus near the symphysis. This is most likely due to an injury to the "corona mortis," which is an anastomosis between which of the following vessel systems?

A weightlifter tears his pectoralis major tendon at its insertion. Surgical repair is planned. Which of the following accurately describes the anatomy of the pectoralis major tendon insertion on the humerus?

A patient complains of deep gluteal pain radiating down the posterior thigh. MRI shows no lumbar disc herniation. The patient has a known anatomic variation where a portion of the sciatic nerve pierces the piriformis muscle. Which component of the nerve typically pierces the muscle in this variant?

During an anterior (Henry) approach to the diaphyseal radius, the supinator is reflected to expose the bone. Deep in the proximal forearm, the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) is identified running alongside the anterior interosseous artery. From which parent vessel does the anterior interosseous artery directly branch?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, vigorous arterial bleeding is encountered when dissecting over the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding most likely originates from an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

During surgical exploration for a complex flexor tendon laceration in zone II of the index finger, the surgeon must vent some pulleys to facilitate tendon glide. Which annular pulleys are considered the most critical to preserve or reconstruct to prevent significant bowstringing?

A 35-year-old male is undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of a capitellum fracture using the Kocher approach. To safely access the joint and protect the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN), the dissection must utilize which of the following internervous planes?

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with vague posterior shoulder pain and numbness over the lateral deltoid. MRI reveals severe isolated atrophy of the teres minor. Which of the following neurovascular bundles is most likely compressed in the quadrilateral space?

During a primary total hip arthroplasty using the direct anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach, the surgeon exploits an internervous plane between two muscles. Which of the following accurately describes this plane?