1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

A surgeon plans a volar (Henry) approach to the proximal radius for open reduction internal fixation of a diaphyseal fracture.

What are the innervations of the muscles defining the proximal internervous plane in this approach?

During a posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck) approach to the hip, protecting the primary blood supply to the adult femoral head is paramount. In this region, where is the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) consistently found?

During a midfoot surgical approach, the surgeon identifies the 'Master Knot of Henry' on the plantar aspect of the foot. At this location, what is the specific anatomical relationship between the traversing long flexor tendons?

A saphenous nerve block is planned within the adductor (Hunter's) canal for post-operative analgesia following knee surgery. Besides the superficial femoral artery and vein, what other structures travel through the adductor canal?

During a standard ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, the surgeon is working in the middle window. Which of the following neurovascular structures is primarily found in this window?

A 35-year-old male sustains a midshaft humerus fracture and develops a secondary radial nerve palsy after closed reduction. If the surgeon decides to explore the nerve via a posterior approach, between which two muscle bellies does the radial nerve most reliably emerge from the spiral groove?

While performing an extended volar approach to the radiocarpal joint (Henry approach), the surgeon retracts the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon. To minimize the risk of injury to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBMN), in which direction should the FCR tendon be retracted and where does the PCBMN typically lie?

A surgeon is utilizing the Smith-Petersen approach to the hip. This approach exploits an internervous plane between which of the following muscles superficially?

A 32-year-old carpenter suffers a deep penetrating injury to the mid-palm, resulting in pulsatile bleeding. Surgical exploration reveals a lacerated deep palmar arch. This vascular structure is primarily formed by the terminal continuation of which of the following?

An axial MRI of the proximal forearm is reviewed to plan for a volar approach. The anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) and artery are identified. Which two muscle bellies directly border the AIN as it courses distally through the mid-forearm?

Reviewing an axial T1 MRI of the mid-thigh, you identify the neurovascular structures within the adductor (Hunter's) canal. What muscle forms the anterolateral boundary of this space?

While executing a deltopectoral approach for a total shoulder arthroplasty, the coracobrachialis is retracted.

To avoid iatrogenic injury, the surgeon must remember that the musculocutaneous nerve typically enters the coracobrachialis at what average distance distal to the coracoid process?

When planning an anterolateral approach to the distal humerus, an MRI shows the radial nerve piercing the lateral intermuscular septum. At what average distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does this anatomically occur?

In a coronal MRI of the brachial plexus evaluating a traction injury, the posterior cord is visualized. Which of the following is a direct terminal branch of the posterior cord?

During a modified Stoppa approach for an acetabular fracture, an aberrant vascular anastomosis termed the 'corona mortis' is encountered over the superior pubic ramus. This structure connects which two vascular systems?

The Kocher-Langenbeck approach to the acetabulum does not utilize a true internervous plane. What is the primary innervation of the gluteus maximus muscle, which is split during the superficial dissection of this approach?

When performing a posterior approach to the humerus, the radial nerve must be identified and protected. Approximately how far proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum?

In the anterior approach to the hip (Smith-Petersen), the superficial internervous plane lies between two muscles. What are the respective innervations of these two muscles?

In a patient undergoing an MRI for quadrilateral space syndrome, which vascular structure is typically compressed alongside the axillary nerve?

Reviewing an axial MRI of the shoulder, you identify a retracted full-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon. What is the dual motor innervation of this muscle?