1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

During a lateral approach to the humerus, the radial nerve is at risk as it pierces the lateral intermuscular septum. At approximately what distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does this occur?

The medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) provides the primary blood supply to the adult femoral head. The deep branch of the MFCA typically courses between which two muscles?

During a lateral approach to the fibula for ORIF of an ankle fracture, the superficial peroneal nerve must be protected. This nerve typically pierces the deep fascia to become subcutaneous at what distance proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus?

The quadrangular space transmits the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery. Which muscle forms the inferior anatomical border of this space?

The pes anserinus insertion on the proximal medial tibia consists of three tendon insertions. From anterior to posterior, what is the correct anatomical order of these tendons?

During the ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, severe hemorrhage can occur if the corona mortis is inadvertently transected. This vascular structure is an anastomosis between the:

During a volar (Henry) approach to the radius, the surgeon develops the proximal internervous plane. Which of the following describes the correct muscles and their respective innervations for this plane?

The deltopectoral approach to the shoulder utilizes a true internervous plane. Between which two muscles is this plane located?

In an adult patient, which of the following vessels provides the predominant blood supply to the femoral head?

Which of the following describes the correct anatomical pathway of the pudendal nerve as it navigates the pelvis?

The radial nerve is highly susceptible to injury as it passes through the spiral groove of the humerus. Which vascular structure accompanies the radial nerve in this groove?

In evaluating a brachial plexus injury, knowledge of the cord formations is critical. The posterior cord is formed by the union of which of the following?

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee is a critical structure for stability. What is its primary biomechanical function?

Which of the following defines the correct origins of the femoral nerve within the lumbar plexus?

During surgical approach to the medial elbow, the flexor-pronator mass is encountered originating from the medial epicondyle. Which muscle has the most proximal and lateral origin on the medial epicondyle?

The sciatic nerve typically divides into the tibial and common peroneal nerves in the distal thigh. Which of the following describes the embryologic origins of these two divisions from the sacral plexus?

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with insidious onset of posterior shoulder pain and weakness in external rotation. An MRI reveals isolated atrophy of the teres minor. Compression of which nerve in the quadrilateral space is most likely responsible?

During an anterior intrapelvic (modified Stoppa) approach to the acetabulum, brisk arterial bleeding is encountered near the superior pubic ramus. This is most likely due to injury to an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

During posterior cervical instrumentation, the surgeon must be mindful of the vertebral artery. At which cervical level does the vertebral artery typically enter the transverse foramen?

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with posterior shoulder pain and weakness in external rotation. An MRI shows atrophy of the teres minor. Entrapment of the axillary nerve in the quadrilateral space is suspected. Which of the following structures forms the superior boundary of this space?