1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) initiate intracellular signaling by binding to specific membrane-bound serine/threonine kinase receptors. This directly leads to the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of which intracellular transcription factors?

Which of the following bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) is currently FDA-approved as an alternative to autogenous bone graft for use in acute, open tibial shaft fractures treated with an intramedullary nail?

In the surgical repair of zone II flexor tendon lacerations, which biomechanical factor has been demonstrated to most directly correlate with the initial tensile yield strength of the repair construct?

During a Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss, the coracoid process is osteotomized and transferred to the anterior glenoid. The transferred coracoid brings with it the conjoined tendon. Which of the following nerves is at greatest risk of iatrogenic injury during the mobilization and inferior transfer of the conjoined tendon?

When dissimilar metals are used in adjacent orthopaedic implants (e.g., placing a stainless steel screw through a titanium plate), galvanic corrosion may occur. Which of the following accurately describes the primary electrochemical process governing this phenomenon?

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is widely used in orthopedic surgery as a bone graft substitute. Which of the following best describes the inherent biologic properties of DBM?

A patient with a previously retained stainless steel plate for a distal femur fracture undergoes a total hip arthroplasty. The surgeon uses a titanium alloy stem that extends distally and makes physical contact with the proximal edge of the stainless steel plate. Over several years, accelerated localized corrosion occurs at the contact site. This scenario is a classic example of which type of corrosion?

Ligaments and tendons exhibit distinct viscoelastic properties. Which of the following biomechanical terms best describes the phenomenon where a tissue subjected to a constant, sustained load demonstrates progressive deformation over time?

Articular cartilage consists of multiple histomorphological zones. In which specific zone are the type II collagen fibers oriented primarily perpendicular to the joint surface to provide the highest resistance to compressive forces?

Which phase of creeping substitution in cortical bone grafts is characterized by a temporary but significant decrease in mechanical strength?

In total hip arthroplasty, highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) is widely used. Which of the following material property changes occurs as a direct result of the irradiation process used to increase cross-linking?

Which type of corrosion is most likely to occur at the modular head-neck taper junction of a total hip arthroplasty implant?

Which zone of articular cartilage has the highest concentration of collagen, with fibrils oriented parallel to the joint surface to primarily resist shear forces?

A 65-year-old woman with a distal radius fracture is diagnosed with osteoporosis and started on an oral bisphosphonate. What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication class?

Which zone of the articular cartilage has the highest concentration of proteoglycans and the lowest concentration of water?

Which of the following terms describes the property of a viscoelastic material where the stress required to maintain a constant tissue deformation decreases over time?

During embryonic development, the limb bud grows in three different axes. Which signaling center and its corresponding molecule are primarily responsible for the anteroposterior (radioulnar) patterning of the limb, dictating the development of the thumb to the small finger?