1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

A 22-year-old soccer player undergoes arthroscopic meniscal repair for a bucket-handle tear. The success of meniscal repair relies heavily on the vascularity of the peripheral rim. The primary blood supply to the peripheral third of the meniscus arises from which vessels?

A trauma surgeon is performing an anterolateral approach to the distal humerus for a complex fracture. Knowledge of the radial nerve's course is crucial. At approximately what distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment?

During an anterior (Henry) approach to the radius, the surgeon enters the internervous plane in the proximal forearm. Which two nerves innervate the muscles that define this superficial proximal interval?

A primary total hip arthroplasty is performed using the direct anterior approach (Smith-Petersen). Which internervous plane is utilized during the superficial dissection of this surgical approach?

When performing an arthroscopic capsular release for adhesive capsulitis, the axillary nerve is most vulnerable at the 6 o'clock position. Approximately how far is the axillary nerve from the inferior glenoid rim in a standard adult shoulder?

During a medial approach to the midfoot for an accessory navicular excision, a tendinous intersection known as the Master knot of Henry is identified. Which of the following accurately describes the relationship of the tendons at this knot?

A patient presents with an inability to actively extend the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints but maintains normal wrist extension with radial deviation. Entrapment of the affected nerve is most likely to occur at the proximal edge of which muscle?

A 32-year-old powerlifter feels a tearing sensation in his chest while attempting a maximal bench press. Examination reveals an asymmetric chest wall and weakness in internal rotation.

Which anatomical segment of the involved muscle is most frequently ruptured, and where does it insert on the humerus?

A 28-year-old bodybuilder feels a pop in his anterior axilla while performing a heavy bench press. Examination reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold and weakness in internal rotation. Which segment of the pectoralis major tendon is under the most tension and most likely to rupture first during the eccentric phase of a bench press?

A 55-year-old physically active man reports a popping sensation in his posterior knee while squatting, followed by acute posteromedial joint line pain. MRI reveals a medial meniscus posterior root tear.

Biomechanical studies demonstrate that an un-repaired complete posterior root tear alters knee joint contact pressures most similarly to which of the following?

A 32-year-old weightlifter feels a "pop" in his anterior chest while performing a heavy bench press. Examination reveals ecchymosis and loss of the anterior axillary fold. If surgical repair is planned, which portion of the pectoralis major tendon is most commonly ruptured and requires mobilization?

A 30-year-old weightlifter suffers a complete rupture of the pectoralis major tendon. Regarding the normal anatomy of the pectoralis major footprint on the humerus, the sternal head inserts:

A 48-year-old female experiences a pop in her posterior knee while deep squatting. MRI reveals a medial meniscus posterior root tear with 3 mm of extrusion. What is the primary biomechanical consequence if this injury is left untreated?

A 32-year-old weightlifter felt a tearing sensation in his anterior axilla while performing a heavy bench press. Exam reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold. He undergoes surgical repair. During anatomic repair, what is the correct orientation of the sternocostal head insertion on the humerus relative to the clavicular head?

A 19-year-old female collegiate runner presents with an anterior tibial stress fracture and reports irregular menstrual cycles for the past year. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry reveals low bone mineral density. What is the primary underlying physiological mechanism for her condition (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport)?

A medial meniscus posterior root tear is diagnosed in a 45-year-old active female. If left untreated, biomechanical studies demonstrate that this injury alters knee contact pressures most similarly to which of the following scenarios?

A 32-year-old male bodybuilder feels a tearing sensation in his anterior chest wall while performing a heavy bench press. Examination shows bruising and loss of the anterior axillary fold contour. During surgical repair, where should the sternal head of the pectoralis major be reattached?

A 25-year-old recreational basketball player is diagnosed with chronic patellar tendinopathy. He has failed a 4-week course of rest and NSAIDs. What is the most evidence-based physical therapy intervention for this condition?

During a physical examination for a suspected meniscal tear, the examiner flexes the knee, internally rotates the tibia, and applies a varus stress while bringing the knee into extension. Which specific test is being described?

A 30-year-old weightlifter feels a sudden pop and pain in his anterior shoulder/chest while performing a heavy bench press. Examination reveals ecchymosis and loss of the anterior axillary fold. MRI confirms a complete rupture of the pectoralis major tendon. Which portion of the muscle is most commonly injured in this mechanism?