1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

A patient with an inability to extend the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints without sensory loss is diagnosed with Posterior Interosseous Nerve (PIN) syndrome. The nerve is most commonly compressed by the Arcade of Frohse. This structure is a fibrous band associated with which of the following muscles?

A 35-year-old male sustains a posterior shoulder dislocation and subsequently develops numbness over the lateral aspect of his deltoid. The affected nerve passes through an anatomical space in the posterior shoulder. Which of the following structures forms the inferior border of this space?

A 28-year-old rock climber presents with a sudden "pop" in his ring finger followed by bowstringing of the flexor tendons on forced flexion. Rupture of which of the following annular pulleys is most responsible for this biomechanical failure?

An orthopedic surgeon performing an anterior (ilioinguinal) approach for an acetabular fracture encounters severe hemorrhage while dissecting superior to the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding most likely originates from an anomalous anastomosis between the external iliac system and which other vascular system?

When placing C1 lateral mass screws, a surgeon must understand the anomalous and typical courses of the vertebral artery to avoid catastrophic vascular injury. At which cervical level does the vertebral artery typically enter the transverse foramen?

An orthopedic surgeon utilizes the direct anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach for a total hip arthroplasty. The superficial internervous plane lies between the sartorius and the tensor fasciae latae. These muscles are innervated, respectively, by which of the following nerves?

A surgeon is performing an open reduction of a proximal humerus fracture via a deltopectoral approach. To mobilize the proximal fragment, they dissect inferiorly along the capsule. Which of the following structures exits the quadrangular space and is at greatest risk during an inferior capsular release?

During an anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, an internervous plane is utilized to access the joint. Which of the following correctly describes the superficial internervous plane for this approach?

During an ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, the surgeon must identify and ligate the "corona mortis" to prevent massive, difficult-to-control hemorrhage. This structure is a vascular anastomosis between which two systems?

The volar (Henry) approach to the radius utilizes an internervous plane that changes from the proximal to the distal forearm. What is the correct distal internervous plane for this approach?

During a Smith-Petersen (anterior) approach to the hip, an internervous plane is utilized for the superficial dissection. Which of the following represents the correct internervous plane and their respective innervations?

During a posterior approach to the humeral shaft, the radial nerve is at greatest risk of iatrogenic injury as it crosses the posterior aspect of the humerus. On average, what is the distance from the point where the radial nerve pierces the lateral intermuscular septum to the lateral epicondyle?

During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, significant hemorrhage occurs near the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding is most likely from the 'corona mortis', which represents an anastomosis between which two vascular systems?

The 'Master Knot of Henry' is an important anatomic landmark in the plantar aspect of the midfoot. It is defined by the crossing of which two structures?

A patient presents with an inability to make an 'OK' sign, demonstrating a pinched posture of the thumb interphalangeal joint and index distal interphalangeal joint. The affected nerve branch primarily innervates which of the following muscle combinations?

During the volar (Henry) approach to the proximal third of the radius, the internervous plane lies between the brachioradialis and the pronator teres. What is the respective nerve supply of these two muscles?

An orthopedic surgeon is performing an anterior intrapelvic (modified Stoppa) approach for an acetabular fracture. Brisk bleeding is encountered from an anastomotic vessel located on the posterior aspect of the superior pubic ramus. This vessel typically connects which two vascular systems?

During a transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy, the surgeon accesses the disc space through Kambin's triangle. Which of the following defines the anterior and superior boundary of this safe zone?

When performing a surgical dislocation of the hip, the surgeon preserves the primary blood supply to the femoral head. The deep branch of this primary vessel passes between which two muscles?

In performing an anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, the internervous plane between the sartorius and tensor fasciae latae is utilized. In the deep dissection, the rectus femoris must be identified. Its reflected head originates from which of the following structures?