1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

A surgeon is performing a lateral approach to the proximal humerus. To avoid iatrogenic injury to the axillary nerve, the deltoid split should not extend distal to what landmark?

The volar (Henry) approach to the radius utilizes a distinct internervous plane. Proximally, this plane is developed between which two muscles?

During a posterolateral (Kocher) approach to the radial head for a comminuted fracture, the internervous plane is developed between the anconeus and which other muscle?

The anterolateral (Watson-Jones) approach to the hip exploits the plane between the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and the gluteus medius. Which nerve innervates both of these muscles?

In the most common anatomical variant of the sciatic nerve's relationship to the piriformis muscle, where do the common peroneal and tibial nerve divisions exit the pelvis?

A patient suffers a midshaft humeral fracture. During a lateral approach to the humerus, the radial nerve is identified piercing the lateral intermuscular septum. At what approximate distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does this transition occur?

In a healthy adult, the predominant blood supply to the weight-bearing dome of the femoral head is provided by the lateral epiphyseal artery. This vessel is a terminal branch of which of the following?

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the vascular supply of the adult meniscus?

During a lateral approach to the proximal humerus for open reduction and internal fixation, the axillary nerve must be identified and protected. What is the average distance of the axillary nerve from the lateral edge of the acromion, and what structure does it run deep to?

During a posterolateral (Kocher) approach to the radial head, the internervous plane utilized is between the anconeus and the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU). The posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is most at risk of injury when retracting which of the following muscles?

The anterior approach to the hip (Smith-Petersen) utilizes an internervous plane between the sartorius and the tensor fasciae latae. Which of the following nerves is at greatest risk during the superficial dissection?

The volar (Henry) approach to the forearm utilizes the internervous plane between the brachioradialis and the pronator teres proximally. Which of the following nerves innervates the brachioradialis?

During a medial approach to the midfoot for an accessory navicular excision, a tendinous crossover is encountered under the navicular known as the "Master Knot of Henry." This anatomical landmark is formed by the intersection of which two tendons?

During an axillary approach to the shoulder, the surgeon must identify the boundaries of the quadrangular space to protect its neurovascular contents. Which of the following muscles forms the inferior border of this anatomical space?

A surgeon is performing an anterolateral approach to the distal tibia. To avoid injury to the superficial peroneal nerve, the surgeon must be aware of its typical exit site from the deep fascia. At approximately what distance proximal to the lateral malleolus does this nerve pierce the crural fascia?

The direct anterior approach (Smith-Petersen) for total hip arthroplasty is gaining popularity due to its internervous plane. Which of the following describes the correct superficial internervous plane utilized in this approach?

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is routinely administered in total joint arthroplasty to reduce perioperative blood loss. What is the primary pharmacologic mechanism of action of TXA?

The direct anterior approach (Smith-Petersen) for total hip arthroplasty utilizes a superficial internervous plane. Which of the following best describes the nerve supplies to the muscles bounding this plane?

The direct anterior approach (DAA) to the hip is increasingly popular for primary THA. This approach utilizes a true internervous plane between which two muscles superficially?

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used in adult reconstruction to minimize perioperative blood loss. What is the precise pharmacological mechanism of action of this medication?